Topics: Oncology, Service Lines, Centers of Excellence, Business Development, Strategy, Tumor Site Strategy, Service Line Growth, Volume Growth, Strategy Development, Planning
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With increasing cancer rates projected into the next decade, there is a strong financial incentive to expand existing cancer centers and create new ones. This study provides guidance on how to invest in the highest quality cancer treatment and simultaneously maintain healthy profit margins. By reading this study, members will:
- Gain strategies tailored to each tumor site that will improve care quality and patients’ experiences
- Learn proven processes from case studies of best-in-class institutions
- Equip their institution with knowledge on navigating the accreditation process, improving physician alignment, and determining the scope of practice
Executive Summary
Tumor site programs emerging as must-have
In response to rising competition, many cancer centers have developed tumor site-specific “Centers of Excellence” in the hope of differentiating themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace. But, all too often, this status is self-designated and more importantly lacks any meaning from a clinical or patient perspective. That said, recently launched tumor site-specific accreditation programs, such as the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), have codified this concept providing a framework for site-specific program development. These market forces have led to a convergence around what it means to be a “Center of Excellence.” Hospitals have responded in kind, and site-specific program development is well underway at cancer programs nationally.
Each tumor site a unique proposition
A comprehensive tumor site program is comprised of numerous clinical, supportive, and structural elements. Given the unique needs of each patient population, the relative importance of various program components varies by tumor site. This variation has implications not only for program design, but also for investment strategy. As a result, tumor site program design and implementation requires disciplined planning to ensure the services offered truly meet patients’ clinical and supportive care needs.
Quality mandate inherent in program mission
Tumor site programs present a unique opportunity for focused quality improvement efforts to elevate care quality and improve the patient experience. To that end, data tracking and measurement initiatives must target the specific processes within a given tumor site care’s care pathway that represent the greatest opportunity to inflect program performance. Tracking performance against key metrics enables programs to proactively identify gaps in care, as well as demonstrate improvements over time to document a return on invested resources.
Disciplined approach essential in program development
Given the complexity of tumor site program planning, a carefully considered step-wise approach is essential. At any given time, an institution’s tumor site programs will be in various stages of development; due to resource limitations, investments will have to be triaged across each site according to clinical needs and strategic priorities. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a program with clinical services at the core, coupled with a support network to enhance those services and an overarching leadership infrastructure to provide necessary guidance and oversight. This study serves as playbook for tumor site program development addressing each of the major tumor sites—breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal—in turn providing guidance on the technological and programmatic elements essential for delivering best-in-class care.
Preamble - Defining Center of Excellence
