A novel cardio-oncology service line model in optimizing care access, quality and equity for large, multi-hospital health systems

Abstract

Background: Despite the rapid growth of cardio-oncology as a subspecialty, cancer patients are still underserved from a cardiovascular perspective. A new care model is needed to integrate comprehensive cardio-oncology care with community-based facilities to improve care access, quality, and equity. Here, we present a cardio-oncology service line model for large, multi-hospital health systems to address this need. Methods: An academic cardio-oncology program was first established using a multidisciplinary approach. Five infrastructure elements for a service line model were created, including strategic accountability, standardized care, dedicated resources, patient experience/education, and branding/identity. We then utilized these elements across our healthcare system to establish a quality-controlled and centrally governed cardio-oncology service line structure. Protocols were created to standardize care and ensure consistency and quality, including referral workflow, imaging, cardiotoxicity surveillance, and clinical management. An IRB-approved cardio-oncology registry was established for outcome tracking. Results: The standardized cardio-oncology services were expanded to eight hospitals and ten outpatient care centers, including rural outreach offices, resulting in increased patient access and improved clinical quality measures. The service area expanded 17-fold, and an estimated rural population of 204,133 gained access to care. Cardio-oncology office visits increased by approximately 600% three years after implementation of the service line model. Conclusions: A cardio-oncology service line with standardized care is a feasible and effective care model to improve cardio-oncology care quality, patient access, and health equity in large, multi-hospital health systems. It can be used in conjunction with academic cardio-oncology programs to improve the overall cardio-oncology healthcare efficacy in the US.