A Survey of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network on Approaches Toward Addressing Patients' Transportation...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Management
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Transportation insecurity is a significant barrier to cancer treatment, impacting patient outcomes.
• Addressing social determinants of health, including transportation, is a national priority in cancer care.
• The current strategies of cancer centers for managing patient transportation insecurity are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) institutions on their approaches to patient transportation insecurity.
• To understand screening, coordination, and funding mechanisms for patient transportation support.
• To identify future plans for addressing transportation challenges in cancer care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to NCCN Member Institutions in January-February 2022.
• The survey assessed current practices, technology use, funding sources, and future plans for transportation support.
• Response rate was 81% (25 out of 31 institutions).

Main Results:

• 96% of responding institutions support patient transportation needs.
• Social workers, clinicians, and patients are primary identifiers of transportation needs.
• Funding predominantly comes from philanthropy (88%), grants (63%), and internal sources (63%).
• Systematic screening is infrequent (33%), while technology platforms are used by 54% for coordination.
• Most centers plan to maintain or expand existing transportation programs.

Conclusions:

• NCCN institutions are actively engaged in addressing patient transportation needs, but approaches vary widely.
• Reliance on philanthropy and a lack of systematic screening present challenges.
• There is a significant opportunity to develop more structured, scalable, and sustainable transportation support programs.