Implementation Mapping for Managing Patients at High Risk for Hereditary Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Lack of standardized workflows for managing patients with pathogenic variants leads to challenges in hereditary cancer care.
• Poor guideline adherence is common in individuals at high risk for hereditary cancers due to complex follow-up care.
• Developing effective clinical management strategies is crucial for improving outcomes in hereditary cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and evaluate clinical management strategies for individuals identified at high risk for hereditary cancers.
• To establish a Hereditary Cancer Clinic using an implementation mapping approach.
• To address logistical challenges and improve guideline adherence in hereditary cancer patient management.

Main Methods:

• An implementation mapping approach was employed, involving a 5-step process: needs assessment, objective identification, strategy selection, protocol development, and evaluation planning.
• Qualitative interviews with patients, specialists, and the implementation team were conducted to identify barriers and facilitators.
• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used for coding interview data.

Main Results:

• A Hereditary Cancer Clinic was established at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2022.
• Implementation protocols were developed to address identified barriers and facilitators.
• A long-term evaluation plan was created to assess implementation, service, and clinical/patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach facilitates real-time enhancements in care for high-risk hereditary cancer patients.
• Findings support improved patient management and outcomes through structured strategies for care specialists and patients.
• The approach allows for long-term evaluation of implementation strategies and guidelines for hereditary cancer management.