A Model of Collaborative Healthcare in Outpatient Medical Oncology

This article, describes the design and implementation of a six-month pilot collaborative healthcare project in Outpatient Medical Oncology. The project was designed utilizing input from a psychosocial needs assessment report generated for a multidisciplinary team of cancer physicians in Seattle, Washington. The needs assessment included physician and patient interviews and a condensed literature review. After integrating the Medical Family Therapist into the daily life of the oncology practice, outcome data was gathered from patients, physicians, and staff. Patient and provider team experience reveals the psychosocial effects of cancer and the importance of an integrated treatment model.