Clinical pathways: Recommendations for putting patients at the center of value-based care

Abstract

Two major trends that have been affecting the provision of oncology care in the United States are a shift from volume-based to value-based care and a push toward patient-centered healthcare. However, these two trends are not always completely aligned with each other. Value-based payment models, including clinical pathways, are one strategy being implemented by oncology stakeholders to help encourage the uptake of value-based oncology care. If structured with the patient in mind, they can improve quality of care for patients with cancer, decrease inappropriate care while enabling appropriate personalization of care, and constrain rising prices by demanding a stronger link between cost and value. If not structured appropriately, they can limit patient choice, impede access to innovative treatments, and encourage one-size-fits-all oncology care.