Clinical Care Options to Present Key Findings on Oncology/Hematology Practice Gaps and the Influence of Online Tools in Breast Cancer Assessments.

This week, Clinical Care Options (CCO) gave presentations to discuss key findings from two important education assessments. The first study provides evidence of significant lapses in oncology and hematology treatment practice; the second highlights the importance of online tools in breast cancer assessments. 

CCO is a leading company in the development of medical education programs and innovative education technology, reaching clinicians in 200 countries around the world. 

The company focuses on specialty areas, including oncology, HIV, hematology, and hepatitis. 

Practice Gaps and Barriers to Optimal Care Among Hematologists and Medical Oncologists Treating Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), and B-Cell Lymphomas in the United States: Results of a 2-Phase Qualitative/Quantitative Study

CCO presented a study at the American Society of Hematology designed to quantify and qualify professional practice gaps and barriers to optimal care among hematologists and medical oncologists at academic medical centers as well as community cancer centers and clinics in the United States. A “practice gap” occurs when there is a disparity between what professionals are currently accomplishing compared to what is achievable on the basis of current professional knowledge. The study’s findings provide compelling evidence of specific practice gaps among physicians caring for patients with CML, ALL, and B-cell lymphomas, and support the design of clinical tools, educational programs, and performance improvement interventions. The needs assessment study, supported by an unrestricted grant from Pfizer, involved collaboration between CCO and both the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences and AXDEV Group.

Clinical Impact of Internet-Based Tools to Help Guide Therapeutic Decisions for Metastatic Breast Cancer

CCO presented findings during the 2013 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium from a study that sought to determine whether expert recommendations on the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), delivered via interactive, online decision support tools, would change or confirm the treatment decisions of community practitioners. The study of nearly 2,000 patient cases entered into CCO’s online interactive MBC decision support tools indicated that community practitioners are recommending newly approved agents substantially less frequently than expert oncologists. After using the online tools, 87% of community practitioners indicated that the expert recommendations either confirmed or changed their intended clinical approach. The data suggest that online tools that provide customized, patient-specific expert advice may increase the number of clinicians who make optimal treatment decisions for patients with MBC.