The imPROVE study aims to bridge the gap in patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data for Black women with breast cancer by enhancing engagement with tailored electronic PROs (ePROs) and partnering with community leaders to address barriers and ensure accessibility and relevance in community cancer care settings. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Manraj Kaur, PhD, investigator and lead faculty for research and innovation at Patient-Reported Outcomes, Value, and Experience (PROVE) center at Mass General Brigham and Andrea Pusic, MD, chief of division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, director of PROVE center at Mass General Brigham, and professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School about the imPROVE study’s efforts to enhance Black women’s engagement in ePROs in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Kaur sheds light on strategies to improve technology accessibility for Black women in their cancer care center by providing iPads and refined usability features on the imPROVE app. Dr. Pusic highlights imPROVE implementation results at five community cancer centers, including utilizing local champions and equitable access to resources.

“When we make sure Black women are included, we gain a more accurate picture of health, we can design better care, and then we take a real step towards closing the health equity gap.” – Manraj Kaur

“The imPROVE study is all about increasing accessibility of patient-reported outcome measurements to Black breast cancer patients receiving care in community cancer centers.” – Andrea Pusic

Manraj Kaur, PhD 

Investigator, Lead Faculty for Research and Innovation Patient-Reported Outcomes Value Experience (PROVE) Center

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Boston, MA

Andrea Pusic, MD

Chief of Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Director, PROVE Center

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Professor of Surgery

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

Resources:

ACCC imPROVE Study Blog - https://www.accc-cancer.org/acccbuzz/blog-post-template/accc-buzz/2024/06/18/the-power-of-patient-reported-outcome-measures-to-community-cancer-centers?

Harvard/BWH PROVE Center - https://prove.bwh.harvard.edu/current_project/improve-breast-cancer-care/

ACCC’s Oncology Reimbursement Meetings (ORMs) assist members in navigating the frequent changes in oncology reimbursement and regulations through expert-led sessions in different regions across the US. In addition to bringing attendees up to speed on annual updates to the revenue cycle, a wide range of related issues that can impact oncology reimbursement are brought to the table, including navigation reimbursement, expanding existing financial programs, and providing important services for patients. The dates and locations for the Spring 2025 in-person ORMs have been announced, with more information to follow.

Guest:

John J. Montville, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, FACCC, COA
Executive Director, Oncology Service Line
Mercy Health – Paducah Cancer Center

Quote:

“These meetings have true takeaways. It’s not just about networking [although] that is important in this industry...You walk away with pages of notes of things you want to bring back to your program to make it better.”

For more information about ACCC’s upcoming Oncology Reimbursement Meetings in 2025, visit the ACCC website.

Additional Resources:

Reimbursement Changes Seek to Reduce Disparities in Access to Cancer Care

Breaking Down Principal Illness Navigation Services: Helping Oncology Providers and Administrators Document, Code, and Bill for Patient Navigation Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Will Pay for Patient Navigation—Now What – Oncology Issues

Virtual Fall 2024 Oncology Reimbursement Meeting