Expanding pathways to care: Using capacity assessment data for planning and policy development

The IOM's National Cancer Policy Board (NCPB) recently reported that the “ad hoc and fragmented cancer care system” in the US “does not ensure access to care, lacks coordination, and is inefficient in its use of resources.” In May 2006, The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program launched the Milwaukee Regional Cancer Care Network (MRCCN) to meet the goal of “promoting access to quality comprehensive cancer care” in Wisconsin's largest urban city. Charged with reducing economic, geographic, cultural, and systems barriers to treatment, the MRCCN began implementing objectives outlined in CDC's Guidance for Comprehensive Cancer Control Planning. Objectives include: 1.) Enhance infrastructure, 2.) Mobilize support, 3) Use data and research, 4) Build Partnerships, 5) Assess/address the cancer burden, 6) Conduct Evaluation. Leveraging its broad-based consortia, the MRCCN has collected, analyzed and used information to mobilize members, identify priorities, inventory resources, and recommend sustainable action to increase assess to cancer care. Effectively assessing care capacity demands targets that can translate into action. While standards for medical procedures exist, few benchmarks for supportive services have been established. As the first of five regional networks in WI, the MRCCN is challenged to develop standards that facilitate informed decision-making locally that can also translate to other regions of the state. There is no "one-size-fits-all" model for measuring and improving access to care at the regional level. This session will present the experience of a regional network as members collectively assess data and recommend strategies for improved access to care.