Purpose: To disseminate information regarding The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACOS COC) requirements of Patient Navigation that can be used across VAMCs.
Background: The ACOS COC requires that each facility determine a patient navigation process. The process must focus on a barrier to care identified within a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) that is administered at least every 3 years. From the results of the CNA, a patient navigation process can be developed to address patient, provider, or system barriers to care. These results are also presented to the Cancer Committee (CC) to compile a report summarizing the findings and implementing a plan to improve the quality of cancer care delivered.
Methods: A CNA questionnaire was reviewed by an interdisciplinary group consisting of oncology social worker, oncology psychologist, medical oncologist, survivorship advanced practice nurse, 3 oncology nurse care coordinators and the Cancer Center Program Administrator. The questionnaire was formatted for ease of reading and comprehension. The group presented the CNA questionnaire to the CC for review and approval. The questionnaire was distributed and completed by Veteran’s at varying stages along the cancer trajectory.
Data Analysis: The questionnaire was distributed and completed by 50 Veterans from Feb 2014-Sept 2014. The questionnaires were distributed and collected in the chemotherapy infusion clinic, during outpatient clinic visits, and during the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC (LSCVAMC) annual Cancer Fair.
Results: The top rated concern was found to be travel. According the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) generated in May 2015 shows that from the years of 2007-2012, 34% of Veterans receiving their care at the LSCVAMC traveled between 50-99 miles to receive their cancer care. The data were presented to the CC, and plans were made to further look at travel resources and community services available to our Veterans. A comprehensive report addressing resources was compiled and presented to the CC.
Implications: Identifying and breaking down barriers to transportation is vital to improving access to Veteran’s cancer care.