Patient perspectives on primary care and oncology care coordination in the context of multiple chronic conditions: A systematic review

BackgroundPatients’ views on the optimal model for care coordination between primary care providers (PCPs) and oncologists in the context of cancer and multiple chronic conditions (MCC) are unclear. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the perceptions of patients with both cancer and MCC regarding their care coordination needs.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, the literature was systematically searched through PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for articles pertaining to patients’ perspectives, experiences, and needs regarding care coordination between PCPs and oncologists during the cancer care continuum, in the context of patients with cancer and MCC. English-language articles were included if they met the following criteria: 1) published between 2008 and 2018; 2) peer-reviewed study; 3) patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with any type or stage of cancer; 4) patients have one or more chronic comorbid condition; 5) inclusion of patient perceptions, experiences, or needs related to care coordination between PCPs and oncologists; and 6) ability to extract results. Data extraction was performed with a standardized form, and themes were developed through qualitative synthesis. A grounded theory approach was used to qualitatively evaluate data extracted from articles and create a framework for providers to consider when developing patient-centered care coordination strategies for these complex patients. Risk of bias within each study was assessed independently by two authors using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsA total of 22 articles were retained, representing the perspectives of 8,114 patients with cancer and MCC. Studies were heterogeneous in the patients' respective phases of cancer care and study design. From qualitative synthesis, four themes emerged regarding patients’ needs for cancer care coordination and were included as constructs to develop the Patient-centered Care Coordination among Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions and Cancer (PCP-MC) framework. Constructs included: 1) Communication; 2) Defining provider care roles; 3) Information access; and 4) Individualized patient care. Care navigators served as a communication bridge between providers and patients.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance that patients with both cancer and MCC place on communication with and between providers, efficient access to understandable care information, defined provider care roles, and care tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. Providers and policymakers may consider the developed PCP-MC framework when designing, implementing, and evaluating patient-centered care coordination strategies for patients with both cancer and MCC.