Patient Perspectives About Cancer Clinical Pathways and Care Coordination

While health care leaders may ultimately want to create better care for patients, systemic goals can be at odds with individual patient needs. Before finalizing clinical pathways, patient needs must be intentionally assessed to en­sure pathways that work for providers can also deliver flexible and effective pa­tient care for the entire spectrum of patients and their families. Tools should en­compass the entire patient experience, from ways to avoid cancer, how to obtain a diagnosis and biomarker testing, and participation in clinical trials, to treatment decisions, survivorship plans, and end-of-life support. This article discusses how patients feel through their cancer experience and suggests ways to incorporate important components like social determinants of health; diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies; and cost considerations so patients can live full lives.