Integrative Oncology Models of Care: Practice Patterns From NCCN Member Institutions - Summary - MDSpire
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Integrative Oncology Models of Care: Practice Patterns From NCCN Member Institutions
Patients with cancer frequently incorporate complementary modalities into their care. A survey of 29 NCCN Member Institutions revealed details on how integrative oncology services are delivered, including the types of services provided, referral process, employment structure, and role of advanced practice providers.
To identify current integrative oncology (IO) program structures and describe the process for care delivery among patients with cancer at NCCN Member Institutions, emphasizing the combination of conventional and complementary therapies.
Key Findings:
100% of responding centers offer IO services.
97% provide nutritional and dietary services, followed by stress and anxiety management (76%) and mind-body practices (72%).
79% of centers bill for provider services, while 59% rely on donor funding.
38% of institutions have decentralized IO services, while 35% have centralized departments.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate a widespread adoption of integrative oncology services across NCCN Member Institutions, with significant variability in service types, funding, and organizational structures, which may impact patient access and care quality.
Limitations:
Specific financial data on funding sources were not collected, which may limit understanding of the economic landscape of IO services.
The survey may not capture all nuances of IO service delivery across institutions, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Integrative oncology services are integral to cancer care, but disparities in access and funding models exist, necessitating further exploration and standardization, particularly in underserved populations.
by Angela F. Bazzell, Lydia T. Madsen, Lindsey Bandini, Terry Harrington, Jonathan Siman, Charlene E. Stein, Heather Greenlee, Jason B. Fleming, Alexandra Huffman
