Creating Virtual Integration and Improved Oncology Care Quality Through a Co-Management Services Agreement

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Co-management services agreements (Co-MSA) offer a model for integrated cancer care delivery without direct employment.
• This model aims to establish shared quality metrics and improve communication between health systems and independent oncologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a Co-MSA on predefined cancer care quality metrics.
• To assess improvements in communication between a health system's oncology service line and independent oncologists.

Main Methods:

• Biweekly planning discussions over 18 months informed Co-MSA creation, incorporating contractual, quality, and clinical data.
• Implementation was reviewed by examining metric achievements and qualitative themes from committee meetings and cross-organizational discussions.

Main Results:

• The Co-MSA improved adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) pathways for breast, colon, and lung cancer.
• Delivery of survivorship care plans increased significantly.
• Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores for medical oncology physician communication did not improve.

Conclusions:

• The Co-MSA successfully enhanced adherence to cancer care pathways and survivorship care plan delivery in its first year.
• While communication metrics did not improve, the Co-MSA facilitated virtually integrated care and established quality metrics.