Integrative Oncology Models of Care: Practice Patterns From NCCN Member Institutions

Area of Science:

• Integrative oncology
• Cancer care delivery
• Health services research

Background:

• Patients with cancer often want to use integrative oncology (IO) practices.
• Patients struggle to find safe and effective IO services and providers.
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) investigated IO practices at its member institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Member Institutions on their integrative oncology (IO) practices.
• To understand how cancer centers deliver IO services to patients.
• To identify variations and potential best practices in IO service provision.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was distributed to representatives at NCCN Member Institutions.
• Descriptive statistics were used to compile the survey results.
• The survey focused on the types of IO services offered and methods of patient access.

Main Results:

• All 29 surveyed NCCN centers offer IO services, including nutrition, stress management, mind-body practices, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage.
• Patient access primarily occurs through provider referral, with some self-scheduling options.
• Significant variations exist in IO service funding models (self-pay, insurance, philanthropy) and referral algorithms.

Conclusions:

• There is considerable variation in how NCCN Member Institutions deliver integrative oncology (IO) services.
• Findings offer guidance for healthcare organizations developing IO services and highlight areas for aligning best practices.
• While challenging for non-academic settings, the data inform cancer providers about commonly sought IO services by patients.