327914
Integration of and adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) in a Community Cancer Center
Methods: Cancer Center leadership initially integrated NCCN Guidelines by presenting them in each cancer conference and multidisciplinary team to inform treatment decisions. Requirements to utilize guidelines were presented to the Cancer Committee and officially incorporated into the bylaws in 2008. NCCN Guideline adherence monitoring and evaluation involves analysis of a random sample of analytic cancer cases using Cancer Registry data. Case investigations are used to assess guideline adherence and/or reason for non-adherence. Results are shared with private-practice providers.
Results: Adopting NCCN Guidelines as a Cancer Center policy created an internal system of accountability among physicians that is evident in the adherence rate. In 2012, 2013, and 2014 LCRP’s analysis for lung and gynecological cancers exceeded 90% guideline adherence; demonstrating the impact of formalized policy in cancer management.
Conclusion: Establishing NCCN Guidelines as the standard of care is an actionable health policy that can be adopted by other Community Cancer Centers. Adherence demonstrates Cancer Center commitment to reducing disparities and producing optimal outcomes across the cancer continuum. Guidelines form the foundation for treatment decisions. Annual analysis and feedback provides disease specific information on outcomes and encourages continued private-practice physician engagement.
Learning Areas:
Administration, management, leadershipChronic disease management and prevention
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Learning Objectives:
Describe the process used by a community cancer center to integrate NCCN Guideline standardized utilization into policy through engaging private practice physicians.
Discuss evaluation method used to monitor NCCN Guideline adherence within a community cancer center.
Keyword(s): Cancer, Policy/Policy Development
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I serve as the Financial Oncology Analyst responsible for areas of clinical/financial information, program initiatives, and policy development. I am the lead manager over Oncology Data Analytics and have overall accountability for the integrity of the cancer data repository. I participate in strategic planning, business plan preparation, accreditation, and presentations as well as the strategic implementation of initiatives to promote, track and monitor the service line growth and opportunities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.