Implementation of a scalable integrative oncology (IO) program in a large community oncology network.

Abstract

215 Background: Integrative Oncology (IO) has become a specialized area of cancer care because of patient desire for holistic approach to care and in response to unmet symptom burden. Until now most IO programs have been limited to large academic medical centers. At Tennessee Oncology (TO), a large community oncology program spanning over 30 clinical sites of care throughout Tennessee and Georgia, an IO program was developed and implemented to bring IO to patients in the community. Methods: In June 2021, the IO program was launched with a physician and a nurse practitioner, both trained in Integrative Oncology. The program started at 8 clinics with visits primarily performed through telemedicine to allow access to each clinic. Providers were educated via email communication and a short video describing the program. Patient education was provided through our website and flyers placed in clinics. A referral order was created within the electronic health record. Results: Within one year, the IO program grew from seeing less than 20 patients per month to seeing over 100 patients per month. To date we have provided approximately 1,050 IO visits for 432 unique patients. Of these patients, 362 (83%) were female and 70 were male. The average age was 59 years old. The top three associated malignancies for patients were breast (n = 182), colorectal (n = 30), and gynecologic oncology (n = 29). Our IO program has expanded from eight to 16 clinics during this time frame. 75% of visits were provided through telemedicine. The most common reasons for IO referral were nutrition and symptom management (fatigue, neuropathy, etc). Conclusions: Implementation of an IO program is possible and scalable in a large community oncology setting. Future directions include studying the impact of our program on patient experience and overall health and wellness.