Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica Cancer Institute and Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center are collaborating on cancer treatment plans and best practices through a formal affiliation.
"Two is better than one and when two well-respected healthcare leaders combine their expertise, it will result in new levels of cancer care for patients," Kenneth Krupp, MD, hematologist/oncologist and director of oncology medical operations with ProMedica Physicians, said in a press release.
During the first year of the agreement, the organizations will zero in on sharing quality metrics and best practices while evaluating and pinpointing the best ways they can collaborate on research and training. The most immediate benefit of the affiliation, however, will be the ease with which patients will be able to seek second opinions.
"As cancer is not one disease, but hundreds, the demand for second opinions is rising," Brian Bolwell, MD, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, said in the press release. "Our affiliation with ProMedica will make it easier for second opinions as both institutions will share treatment planning via tumor boards and care pathways and ProMedica physicians will have an expedited process to facilitate with Cleveland Clinic specialists. This will also foster collaboration and allow us to share best practices."
Care navigators will help patients through the process of finding a second opinion and choosing a treatment option.
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