Collaborative Care: A Solution for Providing Optimal Psychosocial Oncology Care - Getting Started with Collaborative Care in Oncology-Session 2

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar focused on how cancer centers can prepare to implement collaborative care for psychosocial oncology. Hosted by ACCC with support from AOSW and APOS, the session built on a prior webinar about the model’s core principles and shifted to practical steps for getting started.<br /><br />Speakers emphasized that successful implementation begins with a clear vision, scope, and shared goals across all stakeholders. Leaders need data, evidence, and alignment with quality standards such as CoC, NCCN, and ASCO to gain institutional buy-in. Oncology teams are more likely to support the model when they see improved treatment adherence, better access to psychosocial care, and easier coordination. Social work and psychiatry leadership also benefit when the model clarifies roles and supports collaboration rather than siloed practice.<br /><br />A major theme was the importance of a clear “driver” or implementation lead to prevent diffusion of responsibility. Foundational roles discussed included an oncology champion, care manager, psychiatrist and/or advanced practice provider, and, as programs grow, optional roles such as patient navigation, psychology, nursing support, and implementation coaching.<br /><br />The panel also reviewed care manager competencies, including psychosocial assessment, crisis management, evidence-based brief interventions, medication knowledge, case presentation, and liaison work. Workflow planning, measurement-based care, registries, caseload reviews, and quality monitoring were highlighted as essential for maintaining fidelity and ensuring patients do not fall through the cracks.<br /><br />Finally, Krista discussed billing and financial sustainability, noting that collaborative care can generate revenue, but requires careful planning, documentation, consent, and coordination with compliance and finance teams. The webinar ended with encouragement to start small, use pilot programs, and leverage tools like the AEM Center resources.

Keywords

collaborative care

psychosocial oncology

cancer centers

implementation planning

care manager

oncology champion

measurement-based care

billing sustainability

shared goals

quality standards