Collaborative Care: A Model for Embedding Counseling in Oncology and Palliative Care

Department

Oncology and Hematology

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Oncology Issues

Abstract

In 2018, officials at Rochester Regional Health Lipson Cancer Institute became increasingly aware that its growing program did not have enough social work resources to meet patient needs. There were only 3 social workers across the 6 clinic locations. Although medical providers were able to meet patients' physical needs, the cancer care team recognized an existing gap in addressing care for the whole person. Given the impact a cancer diagnosis has on many aspects of an individual's life, addressing these concerns became a priority. As a result, Lipson Cancer Institute began to investigate opportunities to expand social work support at the cancer program. Among the options our team explored was the existing outpatient social work program at the larger Rochester Regional Health system and, more specifically, the collaborative care program embedded in the primary care and obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) clinics. Our leadership team identified that this program had the potential to be a financially sustainable solution. Building a collaborative care program in oncology would provide the financial infrastructure to allow the cancer program to expand its services and address many of the behavioral health needs of our patients.

First Page

4

Last Page

9

DOI

10.3928/25731777-20240219-03

Volume

39

Issue

1

Publication Date

2-1-2024

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