A number of cancer centers across the U.S. expressed concern about integrating new technology into effective patient care, according to a survey published in The American Journal of Managed Care.
Here are five findings from the survey, which included over 200 U.S. cancer centers.
1. Although 96 percents of cancer centers said they prescribe immunotherapeutic agents, only 32 percent reported being "very uncomfortable" in managing immune-related adverse events and side effects.
2. When asked about how their center conducted molecular testing, only 27 percent of survey respondents said their oncologists participated in a molecular tumor board, with 82 percent citing insurance coverage as the biggest barrier to molecular testing.
3. The study found EHRs were the biggest IT challenge for cancer programs, with 31 percent reporting their EHR programs do not have interoperability capabilities to transfer patient information to other systems.
4. Additionally, 80 percent of respondents said their EHR systems have increased the workload of their physicians and staff.
5. Sixty-eight percent of cancer centers cited the cost of drugs and/or new treatment modalities as a top threat to future cancer program growth, with 47 percent citing physician alignment around program goals and 46 percent citing changes in healthcare coverage as other threats.