Provider and patient insights into the cancer care journey

To assess provider and patient preferences for an oncologist selection tool, value-based care, involvement in cancer care, and end-of-life planning.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care providers (PCPs) and insured patients with cancer.

We asked PCPs about their method of oncologist referral; utilization of an oncologist selection tool that directs patients to high-quality, high-value oncologists; involvement in cancer care and value-based care; and when an advance directive should be established. We asked patients to reflect upon their personal experience when selecting their oncologist, utilization of an oncologist selection tool, and establishing an advance directive.

PCPs tend to refer patients to oncologists who are part of their health system (67.9%). Most PCPs (79.2%) were not currently utilizing an oncologist selection tool; most (77.3%) expressed a willingness to use such a tool. Most PCPs (69.8%) believe the best time to talk about an advance directive is at the time of cancer diagnosis. Patients ranked a PCP referral (52.7%) as "very important" when selecting an oncologist. One-third of patients used a web-based oncologist selection tool; 65.2% responded that an oncologist selection tool would be "somewhat" or "very" important. Most (54.5%) patients had an advance directive.

These results present a compelling rationale for developing a data-driven oncologist selection tool, optimizing patient and provider involvement in care, and expanding the portion of patients who have an advance directive at the start of their cancer care to optimize their cancer journey.