The University of Pittsburgh CancerCenter Primary Care Provider Workforce Integration Initiative: An institutional model—Design, process, status, and implications.

Abstract

41 Background: Due to increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with cancer, a burgeoning cohort of cancer survivors with significant medical co-morbidities, and oncology workforce “supply-demand” challenges, the optimal integration of Primary Care Providers (PCPs) into the comprehensive cancer care paradigm is of timely importance. The objective is to describe those specific planning and implementation issues impacting the establishment of a cancer care delivery model targeting the interface between Oncology and Primary Care. Methods: The University of Pittsburgh CancerCenter PCP Workforce Integration Initiative received authorization to proceed in December of 2014. Immediate actions were then undertaken: 1) Establishment of an “Advisory/Working Group” [Fifteen stakeholders representing the interests of Oncology, Patient Advocacy, Nursing, Primary Care (Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Gynecology); Administration, Information Technology, and Research]; 2) Conduct of focus groups and individual, fact-finding conversations; 3) Programmatic planning of a “pilot” intervention; and 4) Planning of a full-day, continuing medical/nursing education symposium focusing upon the specific training and empowerment needs of PCPs with regard to their evolving roles in the comprehensive cancer care paradigm (November/2015). Results: Focus groups demonstrated an overall acknowledgement of the importance of the issue and a willingness to participate. Specific identification of those unique provider roles and competencies necessary to address a patient’s individual “survivorship” risk profile and the development of a system to best enhance communication and information exchange among the providers and patients were made evident. The results of a survey (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices) conducted to the attendees of the Symposium will be discussed. Conclusions: To best optimize the interface between Oncologists and PCPs with regard to best practices cancer care, well-planned competency training and “system development” will be necessary.