The landscape of cancer care is evolving beyond traditional treatment modalities, with leading healthcare institutions recognizing the vital importance of comprehensive support systems for patients. At NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center, healthcare leaders are championing a collaborative approach that unites academic institutions with community-based practices to enhance patient care delivery.
Expanding the Scope of Cancer Care
Kasey Bond, MPH, Executive Director of Administration at Perlmutter Cancer Center, emphasizes that cancer care extends far beyond chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. "It's our responsibility to treat the whole person and not just the patient's cancer," Bond states, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to oncology care.
The initiative brings together specialists across various healthcare settings to address treatment-related complications and support services. Dr. Mario Lacouture of NYU Langone Health particularly emphasizes the importance of providing specialized care, such as dermatological services for treatment-related side effects, in locations convenient for patients.
Addressing Social Determinants Through Community Partnerships
Dr. Brita Roy from NYU Grossman School of Medicine underscores the crucial role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in addressing social determinants of health. These partnerships help tackle critical issues such as:
- Housing insecurity
- Food access challenges
- Transportation barriers
- Childcare needs
"No one entity is able to do everything for everyone," Bond explains. "We really need to come together and identify what each of our strengths is, and then make sure that we're leaning on each other to support the patient for things that might not be in our wheelhouse."
Policy Reform and Advocacy
Dr. Samyukta Mullangi, Medical Director at Thyme Care, emphasizes the collective power of academic and community partnerships in driving policy reform. This collaboration aims to improve both the care delivery and quality of life for cancer patients, recognizing that systemic changes require unified advocacy efforts.
Building Trust and Patient-Centered Care
The initiative particularly emphasizes the importance of collaborating with trusted community members to create safe, comfortable spaces for patients. This approach ensures that patients feel heard, represented, and supported throughout their cancer journey.
"The patient is at the center of everything regardless of what kind of institution you're working in," Bond affirms, whether it's a community-based organization, an academic medical center, or a community-based medical practice.
