The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center in Lexington has created an integrated statewide cancer provider network to enhance collaboration with affiliates.
The goal is to expand patients' access to the care and resources provided by Markey, which is Kentiucky's only National Cancer Institute-designated center.
The first phase of the project focused on infrastructure, including upgrading cancer conference facilities to better support care teams' treatment planning and collaboration. The second phase, which is ongoing, includes the rollout of OncoLens, a cancer care platform that enables multidisciplinary care across the network through a single system.
So far, the initiative has increased the number of patient cases reviewed by multidisciplinary cancer teams by 44 percent, according to an Aug. 17 news release.
"Our vision for Kentuckians connects cancer care providers so that patients receive the world-class, multidisciplinary care that the UK Markey Cancer Center provides without having to leave their communities," said Timothy Mullett, MD, medical director of network operations for Markey. "The steps we are taking will break down the barriers created by distance and data so that every patient can benefit from the expert knowledge, nationally ranked specialties, clinical trial options, and the personalized, interdisciplinary care that Markey delivers."
A total of 16 Markey affiliates will participate in the initiative once the rollout is complete.