Identifying challenges to breast cancer care coordination at urban community-based primary care clinics.

Abstract

83 Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) are well positioned to play a significant role in improving cancer care in the U.S. and achieving the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation for patient-centered, coordinated, comprehensive cancer care across the care continuum. This is particularly important in underserved communities where fragmented care contributes to widening disparities in cancer mortality. However, PCPs can face considerable challenges delivering cancer care. This research examines challenges to breast cancer survivorship (BCS) care coordination at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Methods: We conducted a chart review at five Chicago FQHCs to assess BCS-related follow-up care provided by PCPs. We reviewed patient electronic medical records for documentation of breast cancer-related health information by the PCP and for documentation from cancer specialists, including consultant notes, pathology reports, and treatment histories. Based on BC ICD -9 codes we identified 109 patients who had a BC diagnosis within five years and a primary care visit at one of the five FQHCS within 2 years. Results: The patient population was primarily comprised of African Americans (81%), with 16% Hispanic, and 4% Asian or non-Hispanic White. Mean age at diagnosis was 55 years with 30% diagnosed < 50 years. Medicaid (59%) was the most common health insurance. More than half of the patients had ≥1 chronic disease. Critical clinical BC information was missing from patient medical records, including BC pathology (65%), mammogram (60%), last clinical breast examination (49%), and cancer specialist notes (45%). Documentation of family history and genetic counseling were missing from 76% and 98% of the records, respectively. Conclusions: Our data indicate that PCPs at FQHCs currently have a limited role in delivering IOM recommended patient-centered, coordinated, comprehensive cancer care across the care continuum. The research results underscore a need for improvement in two key areas: 1) support for PCPs to build capacity in BCS care and 2) enhanced communication and care coordination between cancer specialists and PCPS in order to make PCPs an active part of the BCS care team.