ICAN Health System Intervention for Rural Cancer Care Quality
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve cancer care quality in rural Iowa hospitals by testing the Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (ICAN) intervention. The focus is on education, training, and support to help hospitals meet national cancer care standards. The research team will provide ongoing assistance to enhance cancer services. The trial targets administrators, clinicians, and data staff involved in cancer care at select rural hospitals. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to advance cancer care quality in rural communities.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that the ICAN intervention is safe for improving rural cancer care quality?
Research has shown that the Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (ICAN) intervention focuses on improving cancer care quality rather than providing a medical treatment like a drug or device. It serves as a support system for rural hospitals, emphasizing education, training, and enhancing cancer care quality.
Since ICAN does not directly treat patients, no safety data exists regarding health risks for individuals. The intervention aims to help hospitals meet the quality standards set by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). It provides resources and support to hospital staff instead of introducing new drugs or procedures to patients.
Regarding safety, participants face no risk in the usual sense, as they will not receive a new medicine or treatment. Instead, the intervention seeks to improve how hospitals care for cancer patients, making the process safer and more effective overall.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the ICAN Health System Intervention for rural cancer care because it aims to enhance the quality of cancer treatment in rural hospitals, which often face unique challenges. Unlike typical care options, which may include standard chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical interventions, this approach focuses on improving the healthcare system itself. It offers training and education for hospital staff, boosts cancer data collection and reporting, and fosters clinical peer-to-peer support. This comprehensive, system-level intervention could lead to more consistent and higher-quality cancer care in rural settings, making a significant impact where resources are limited.
What evidence suggests that the ICAN intervention is effective for improving rural cancer care quality?
Research has shown that the Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (ICAN) program can improve cancer care in rural areas. In this trial, some hospitals will join the ICAN program, which aims to enhance local care quality by providing training, education, and support to rural hospitals. Studies using Iowa Cancer Registry data reveal that many rural patients, especially those with breast and colorectal cancers, receive most or all of their treatment locally. The ICAN program helps hospitals meet quality standards set by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Early reports indicate that hospitals in similar programs have improved their adherence to cancer care quality measures. As a result, patients might receive better, more consistent care closer to home.12367
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for administrators, clinicians, and data monitoring staff involved in cancer care at one of the four selected hospitals. It aims to improve quality standards in rural hospitals that have not been accredited by the Commission on Cancer.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Implementation
Implementation of the ICAN intervention, including education, training, and regular check-ins with hospital stakeholders
Evaluation
Evaluation of compliance with CoC quality measures using Iowa Cancer Registry data
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (ICAN)
Trial Overview
The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network (ICAN) intervention is being tested. It involves education, training, regular check-ins with hospital stakeholders via in-person and Zoom meetings, and resources to help meet American College of Surgeons' cancer care standards.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
This is a health-system-level intervention, designed as two-arm intervention trial, where four participating hospitals will be offered support in the areas of training and education, cancer data collection and reporting, quality improvement and clinical peer-to-peer support. Hospitals that are eligible for the intervention had to be located in an Iowa county classified as non-metropolitan according to rural urban continuum codes (RUCC) 4 through 9 and diagnose or treat at least 100 cancer patients each year. We selected 4 of the 9 rural hospitals meeting this criteria to administer the intervention.
Hospitals that are eligible for the intervention had to be located in an Iowa county classified as non-metropolitan according to rural urban continuum codes (RUCC) 4 through 9 and diagnose or treat at least 100 cancer patients each year. The remaining 5 hospitals meeting this criteria that were not selected for the intervention will serve as controls.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mary Charlton
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network
In the News… Recent Study Aims to Improve the Quality of Cancer Care in Rural Areas · Charlton to Lead Study Aimed at Improving Quality of Rural Cancer Care.
Project Details
Our analyses of Iowa Cancer Registry data indicate that 40% of rural patients with breast and colorectal cancers receive most or all definitive treatment in ...
ICAN Health System Intervention for Rural Cancer Care ...
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The network intervention in Iowa supported 5 rural cancer centers across the state, each concurrently pursuing quality accreditation standards.
5.
ama-assn.org
ama-assn.org/public-health/population-health/statewide-push-deliver-top-cancer-care-rural-iowansA statewide push to deliver top cancer care to rural Iowans
As a resource, I-CAN provides detailed data on cancer quality measures, facilitates educational initiatives, and helps develop critical services ...
A survey of cancer affiliate network hubs in the US: goals ...
Rural hospitals are less likely than urban hospitals to provide comprehensive oncology services including genetic counseling, nutritional ...
Improving Cancer Care Locally: Study of a Hospital Affiliate ...
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN) is committed to enhancing access to high-quality cancer care for patients close to home and uses evidence- ...
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