The Supportive Oncology Collaborative: Expanding upon Collaborative Care to Increase Supportive Care Access in Underserved Populations

Abstract

Background:

Access to supportive services in community-based oncology is challenging but essential, particularly for underserved populations.

Methods:

We developed the Supportive Oncology Collaborative (SOC), built upon the tenets of Collaborative Care, an existing model used to increase access to behavioral health in community settings. Using a population-health-based approach with screening, a registry, and shared care, we added palliative care specialists to a team of social workers and a consulting psychiatrist. We provided integrated psychosocial and palliative care at community-based sites of a large comprehensive cancer center.

Results:

We implemented the model in 2020 at a community site with a racially and ethnically diverse patient population. Encounters grew from 527 in our first year to 2,130 in 2022. Using screening tools, we identify the highest-risk patients for discussion in team meetings.

Discussion:

We are expanding the SOC across the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute regional campuses and believe it can increase access to integrated psychosocial and palliative care in cancer centers across the country.