The National Comprehensive Cancer Network: present and future directions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Policy
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has established practice guidelines covering approximately 90% of cancer patients.
• These guidelines are increasingly adopted as the standard for clinical decision-making and insurance coverage policies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development and integration of NCCN practice guidelines with a multi-institutional database.
• To establish a framework for measuring adherence to NCCN guidelines and collecting clinical outcomes data.

Main Methods:

• Development of comprehensive cancer practice guidelines by the NCCN.
• Integration of guideline development with a multi-institutional database for data collection.
• Formation of partnerships with managed care organizations.

Main Results:

• NCCN guidelines cover a significant majority of cancer patients, establishing a de facto standard.
• The integrated database allows for the measurement of adherence to established guidelines.
• Partnerships aim to enhance the delivery of efficient and effective cancer care.

Conclusions:

• NCCN guidelines are becoming a standard in oncology practice and policy.
• The integrated guideline and database approach facilitates outcomes measurement and adherence monitoring.
• Collaborations with managed care aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cancer treatment delivery.