A "continuously connected team support" model to facilitate high-quality gynecologic cancer care in rural and remote regions.

Abstract

51 Background: Quality gynecologic cancer care (GCC) in rural and remote regions (RRR) of the U.S. is limited by poor access to gynecologic oncology expertise (GOE). While a variety of telehealth programs in other specialties have enhanced healthcare in RRR, none have resulted in provision of the comprehensive medical and surgical services required to treat gynecologic cancer patients. We propose a model to improve access and quality for comprehensive GCC in RRR. Methods: PubMed, Medline, and Google searches identified and characterized: 1) core quality components of GCC models; 2) RRR lacking GOE; and 3) current models for delivering healthcare services in remote regions. A new model was developed addressing needs of RRR. Results: Characteristics observed in high-performing GCC models include: 1) gynecologic oncologists (GO) guide all aspects of GCC, 2) care is performed by high-volume providers (HVP), and 3) multidisciplinary provider teams (MDT) address all patient needs. Without equal access to GO, HVP, or MDT, patients in RRR do not share benefits of high-quality outcomes. Integrating components of successful telementoring models with identified high-quality characteristics of traditional GCC, our model is developed to address the comprehensive and ongoing unique GCC needs of RRR. This Continuously Connected Team Support (CCTS) model utilizes a semi-remote GO to facilitate quality GCC through mentorship and education of a local MDT, transforming it into a transdisciplinary team (TDT). Off-site activities include 24/7 availability via phone or HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing. The GO’s on-site activities include proctoring the TDT in surgeries, mentoring and educating in clinical conferences, and continuous quality improvement activities. Long-term, regular on-site and remote interactions with the local TDT makes CCTS unique in its commitment and service beyond that of itinerant surgeons, locum tenens, international surgical charity efforts or established telehealth programs. Conclusions: Deployment of CCTS in RRR offers an innovative solution for the facilitation of high-quality comprehensive GCC in RRR lacking GOE. Further outcomes research is warranted.