Developing a Virtual Equity Hub: Adapting the Tumor Board Model for Equity in Cancer Care

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Equity
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Marginalized populations face significant, avoidable disparities in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
• Social determinants of health, including structural discrimination and poverty, exacerbate cancer care inequities.
• There is a critical need for interventions addressing social determinants and enhancing cancer care capacity for underserved groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the Virtual Equity Hub, a collaborative network aimed at improving cancer care for underserved populations.
• To adapt the virtual tumor board model to address social determinants of health and community-based research principles.
• To pilot virtual tumor boards for specific oncology subspecialties and patient populations with complex needs.

Main Methods:

• Developed a collaborative network connecting a comprehensive cancer center, safety net hospital, and community health centers.
• Utilized a virtual tumor board model with monthly videoconferences for multi-disciplinary case discussion and expertise sharing.
• Focused on addressing barriers to care and clinical trial participation, piloting for breast oncology, neuro-oncology, and patients with serious mental illness.

Main Results:

• The Virtual Equity Hub demonstrated potential in building clinician capacity to manage complex patient needs.
• The virtual tumor board approach showed promise in addressing barriers to cancer care.
• Pilot studies indicated feasibility for specific patient groups and oncology subspecialties.

Conclusions:

• The Virtual Equity Hub model shows promise for enhancing cancer care delivery to underserved populations.
• Virtual tumor boards can increase access to multi-specialty cancer care and expertise.
• Further research is necessary to evaluate the impact, reach, and sustainability of these virtual equity models.