Transformative Peer Connections: Early Experiences From the ASCO Palliative Care Community of Practice

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Palliative care integration into oncology is standard practice, aiming for higher quality care at lower costs.
• Significant barriers hinder the widespread implementation of palliative oncology in healthcare institutions.
• Innovative strategies are needed to overcome these challenges and improve patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Communities of Practice (CoP) as an innovative strategy for palliative care implementation.
• To share experiences of the Palliative Care CoP in developing processes for systemic change in palliative oncology.
• To enhance the delivery of palliative care for individuals with cancer.

Main Methods:

• The Palliative Care CoP engages senior leaders and administrators to foster a shared vision for holistic care.
• The CoP addresses eight key domains to meet member needs and advance palliative oncology.
• Strategies include enhancing education, research, mentorship, patient advocacy, interdisciplinary teams, professional development, social media outreach, and clinical practice.

Main Results:

• The ASCO Palliative Care CoP serves as a vital forum for advancing palliative oncology.
• The initiative promotes systemic change by engaging key stakeholders and addressing critical domains.
• The CoP facilitates the development of structures and processes to improve palliative care delivery.

Conclusions:

• The ASCO Communities of Practice model offers a viable strategy for overcoming barriers to palliative oncology integration.
• This collaborative approach fosters systemic change and enhances the delivery of comprehensive cancer care.
• The Palliative Care CoP is instrumental in realizing ASCO's mission to conquer cancer and advance cancer care.