Executive Summary
Personalized medicine within reach?
Continued advances in genomic
sequencing and rumors about the
potential availability of the $1,000
genome suggest that personalized
medicine may soon be within
reach. However, the fragmented
nature of care delivery makes it
harder for providers to achieve this
vision for all patients.
To provide patients with the
resources they need to make
informed treatment decisions,
providers must integrate
technological advancements in
precision therapy and patient care.
Targeted chemotherapy exemplifies opportunities and challenges
Some experts estimate that close to 75% of
newly approved anti-cancer agents will be orally
administered, many of which will be targeted
therapies with an associated companion
diagnostic.
These therapies will be more effective and
convenient for patients, but most providers
are not prepared for reduced infusion center
volumes, more lab infrastructure requirements,
and the need for more resources to ensure patient
compliance and monitor side eff ects.
Plan in advance to cope with disruption
As clinical innovation and care delivery redesign
converge, changing volumes and revenue sources
will likely disrupt the traditional fee-for-service
growth model. New precision treatments in both
medical and radiation oncology—and a continued
focus on evidence-based therapies—could
potentially reduce the total amount of treatment a
patient receives.
Care delivery redesign requires patient engagement
Patients will be most engaged in their care when
they feel they are able to serve as equal partners in
decision making and care delivery.
To establish a partnership, providers should gather
patient information beyond traditional clinical data
to identify potential barriers to care that might
impede optimal outcomes.
Hardwire care coordination across the continuum
Partnering with the patient in shared decision
making is only one component of fully engaging
patients across their treatment journey.
As risk-based payment models hold providers
increasingly responsible for patient outcomes,
care coordination across a patient’s immediate
care team is essential to minimize duplication of
services and ensure continuity of care.