A Valuable Relationship: Working With Major Cancer Centers
- Most glioma patients will be diagnosed at a community medical center — and some receive most or all of their cancer care locally as well.
- While major academic institutions can provide access to advanced diagnostics, clinical trials, and niche clinical expertise, not everyone has easy access. That’s why collaboration is so important.
- Physicians in both settings can collaborate on the best approach to care. Sometimes, patients will be transferred to a major cancer center.
- When this is not possible or recommended, telehealth can play a big role in access to care as well.
“Many of us have relationships with folks out in the community. They may call us, ask advice, or they may ask us to see a patient of theirs,” Dr. Peereboom explains.
Read MoreThe Role of Community Health Systems
Community health systems serve as the first point of contact for many patients. These centers are often conveniently located, allowing patients to access timely care without the need for extensive travel. For individuals facing a diagnosis of glioma, proximity to medical care can significantly reduce the stress and logistical challenges of managing their condition. Community centers excel in providing fundamental diagnostic services, initial treatments, and ongoing management of chronic health issues. Their ability to offer personalized care tailored to the needs of their local populations ensures patients feel supported and understood. This localized care is essential in fostering trust and building long-term relationships between patients and their healthcare providers.Patients should absolutely not feel like they can’t get incredible care at a community center, but in reality, there are certain limitations to be aware of.
Community health systems may not have access to advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and cutting-edge treatments. This is where partnerships with academic institutions become invaluable.
Working With Major Cancer Centers
Academic medical centers are renowned for their specialized expertise, advanced diagnostic tools, and access to innovative treatments. For patients with gliomas, these resources can make a significant difference in their outcomes. Academic centers often house state-of-the-art equipment such as advanced MRI machines and genomic sequencing technologies, which allow for more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Additionally, academic institutions frequently host tumor boards—multidisciplinary teams of experts who collaborate to develop individualized treatment strategies. This team-based approach ensures that every aspect of a patient’s condition is thoroughly evaluated, providing them with the most comprehensive and effective care plan possible.
Dr. Peereboom notes that academic centers can also offer patients access to clinical trials, giving them the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment before they are widely available.
“We are blessed in a big medical center … we have the privilege that we can get together as a multidisciplinary group that we can make helpful recommendations hopefully,” he explains.
Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Partnerships
The synergy between community health systems and academic institutions lies at the heart of modern glioma treatment. Through collaboration, these two types of healthcare providers can bridge the gaps in access to care and ensure patients receive the best of both worlds.
Dr. Peereboom highlights the convenience and accessibility that these partnerships bring to patients.
“They might come to us, or we could do … a telehealth or video visit to talk about these issues. And it makes it convenient for a patient at least to get additional information,” he says. This approach not only saves patients the burden of traveling to distant academic centers but also allows them to benefit from the expertise of specialists without disrupting their lives. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for coverage.
Community centers can serve as the primary hub for a patient’s care, managing routine appointments, administering treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, and addressing day-to-day concerns. Meanwhile, academic institutions provide support by offering second opinions, advanced diagnostic services, and guidance on complex cases. This collaboration ensures patients receive seamless, high-quality care that combines the strengths of both settings.
Enhancing Accessibility Through Telehealth
The rise of telehealth has further strengthened the connection between community and academic health systems. For glioma patients, telehealth consultations can be a game-changer. By enabling patients to consult with specialists remotely, telehealth eliminates geographical barriers and reduces the need for time-consuming and costly travel. This is particularly important for those who may already be dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
Telehealth also fosters greater communication between community providers and academic specialists. By sharing medical records, imaging results, and treatment plans electronically, healthcare teams can collaborate more effectively and ensure patients receive consistent, coordinated care. This level of integration is essential for managing complex conditions like gliomas, where treatment often involves multiple modalities and requires careful monitoring.
Telehealth may be going away in March of 2025 and medicare will stop reimbursing video visits and other insurers may follow suit. This could impact your ability take advantage of Telehealth as an option.
The Impact on Patient Outcomes
By combining localized care with academic expertise, the partnership between community and academic health systems enhances patient outcomes in several ways. First, it ensures that patients have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and personalized medicine. These cutting-edge approaches can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for glioma patients.
Second, the collaborative model prioritizes patient convenience and well-being. By minimizing the need for extensive travel and offering care closer to home, this approach reduces the burden on patients and their families. This can have a positive impact on mental health, which is a crucial aspect of overall well-being during cancer treatment.
Finally, the partnership model fosters a sense of trust and reassurance. Knowing that their care is being guided by a team of experts from both community and academic settings gives patients confidence in their treatment plans. This collaborative approach also empowers patients to take an active role in their care, as they have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.
Patient-Centric Care in Action
For glioma patients, the integration of community and academic health systems translates to a more patient-centric approach to care. This means putting the needs, preferences, and values of patients at the center of every decision. By leveraging the strengths of both community and academic settings, healthcare providers can offer a holistic approach that addresses not only the medical aspects of glioma treatment but also the emotional, social, and logistical challenges patients may face.
For example, a glioma patient living in a rural area may rely on their local community health center for routine appointments and supportive care while accessing specialized expertise from an academic institution through telehealth consultations. This dual approach allows the patient to receive advanced care without the need to uproot their life or endure long and frequent trips to a distant medical center.
Furthermore, the collaborative model ensures that patients have access to a broader range of resources, from support groups and counseling services to clinical trials and educational materials. These resources can help patients and their families navigate the complexities of a glioma diagnosis and feel more empowered in their journey.
As Dr. Peereboom emphasizes, this collaboration ultimately enhances accessibility, improves outcomes, and ensures patients receive both cutting-edge treatments and compassionate support throughout their journey.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are facing a glioma diagnosis, and would like to involve physicians from a major cancer center as well, consider bringing the following questions to your doctor.
- Should I consider transferring to a major cancer center for my care?
- Would my case benefit from a collaborative approach with a multidisciplinary center?
- Should we consider clinical trials for my case?
- Is there a benefit to seeking care at a multidisciplinary center for me?
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