VetConnect Cancer Navigator: Enhancing care for veterans with breast and gynecologic cancers
APA Citation:
Rasmussen, K. M., Halwani, A. S., Patil, V., Morreall, D., Li, C., McShinsky, R., Burningham, Z. R., Collins, S., Underwood, P. R., Kelley, M. J., Colonna, S. V., & Moss, H. (2023). VetConnect Cancer Navigator: Enhancing care for veterans with breast and gynecologic cancers. JCO Oncology Practice, 19(11_suppl), 554-554. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.2023.19.11_suppl.554
Focus:
Veterans
Programming
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Rasmussen, Kelli M., Halwani, Ahmad Sami, Patil, Vikas, Morreall, Deborah, Li, Chunyang, McShinsky, Richard, Burningham, Zachary R., Collins, Sarah, Underwood, Phelisa R., Kelley, Michael J., Colonna, Sarah Violet, Moss, Haley
Abstract:
554 Background: With women becoming the fastest-growing group in the Veteran population, the prevalence of breast and gynecologic cancers among Veterans is a growing concern. Studies have demonstrated higher rates of breast cancer among Veterans compared to nonveterans. As the number of women Veterans continues to rise, an increased incidence of breast and gynecologic cancers is expected. Unfortunately, efficient identification of newly diagnosed cases among Veterans is often lacking, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The Breast/Gynecological System of Excellence (BGSOE) aims to ensure that Veterans with breast and gynecologic cancers receive state-of-the-art, guideline-adherent care, whether within the VA system or at outside institutions. Methods: To address this issue, BGSOE stakeholders collaborated to develop a comprehensive care coordination infrastructure called the VetConnect Cancer Navigator. This tool not only identifies newly diagnosed cases of breast and/or gynecologic cancers, but also provides additional navigation support to Veterans who may be receiving their cancer care within the VA or other healthcare systems. The development process involved designing a user-friendly interface, extracting relevant data, and integrating advanced analytics to optimize user experience. Continuous evaluations, both formal and informal, were conducted to ensure optimal usability and workflow fitness. In January 2023, the VetConnect Cancer Navigator was launched as a pilot program at the Durham VA Medical Center. Results: From January 2021 to June 2023, a total of 5,519 Veterans were identified with newly diagnosed breast and/or gynecologic cancers throughout the entire nationwide VA system. Since the launch of the navigator at the Durham VA Medical Center pilot site, it has successfully identified 37 Veterans with newly diagnosed breast and/or gynecologic cancers. Of these cases, 27 patients have been contacted by the dedicated nurse navigator, 22 have completed an intake form, and 18 have agreed to enroll in the BGSOE navigation program. Conclusions: The VetConnect Cancer Navigator represents a pioneering approach to the design and implementation of health information technology tools. As demonstrated through the pilot site, the navigator facilitates innovative coordination and delivery of healthcare, specifically tailored to the need of the BGSOE program, this tool significantly enhances the quality of care provided to Veterans with breast and/or gynecologic cancers. Through improved care coordination and navigation support, the VetConnect Cancer Navigator plays a crucial role in ensuring Veterans receive optimal, guideline-based care regardless of their treatment location within or outside the VA system.
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
VetConnect Cancer Navigator, veterans healthcare, breast cancer, gynecologic cancer