Colorectal cancer patients treated in integrated healthcare systems receive higher rates of evidence-based treatment, have lower five-year mortality rates and showed no ethnic or racial disparities in survival, according to a retrospective study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The study evaluated 30,000 records of patients who were treated for colon cancer from 2001 to 2006 and compared them to the rates of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-based care provided in integrated health systems.
Researchers found IHS delivered higher rates of evidence-based care, and they also found these health systems were linked to lower rates of five-year mortality. "Racial/ethnic disparities in survival were absent in the IHS," researchers found.
"Integrated systems may serve as the cornerstone for developing accountable care organizations poised to improve cancer outcomes and eliminate disparities under health care reform," the authors wrote.
More articles on population health:
Illinois Poison Center Director receives public health award
Adena Health System partners with OSU, YMCA for diabetes care
Door-to-door campaign in Philadelphia screens, treats hepatitis C patients