title: Implementing effective and sustainable multidisciplinary clinical thoracic oncology programs.
abstract: Three models of care are described, including two models of multidisciplinary care for thoracic malignancies. The pros and cons of each model are discussed, the evidence supporting each is reviewed, and the need for more (and better) research into care delivery models is highlighted. Key stakeholders in thoracic oncology care delivery outcomes are identified, and the need to consider stakeholder perspectives in designing, validating and implementing multidisciplinary programs as a vehicle for quality improvement in thoracic oncology is emphasized. The importance of reconciling stakeholder perspectives, and identify meaningful stakeholder-relevant benchmarks is also emphasized. Metrics for measuring program implementation and overall success are proposed.
authors.affiliation: 1 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program, Baptist Cancer Center, Memphis, TN, USA ; 2 Regional Chief Medical Officer, Vice Chairman for Surgery, St Vincent Health and Hospital System, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ; 3 Corporate Medical Director, Meridian Cancer Care, Neptune, NJ, USA .
authors.forename: Raymond U
authors.initials: RU
authors.lastname: Osarogiagbon
authors.affiliation: 1 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program, Baptist Cancer Center, Memphis, TN, USA ; 2 Regional Chief Medical Officer, Vice Chairman for Surgery, St Vincent Health and Hospital System, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ; 3 Corporate Medical Director, Meridian Cancer Care, Neptune, NJ, USA .
authors.forename: Richard K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.affiliation: 1 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program, Baptist Cancer Center, Memphis, TN, USA ; 2 Regional Chief Medical Officer, Vice Chairman for Surgery, St Vincent Health and Hospital System, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ; 3 Corporate Medical Director, Meridian Cancer Care, Neptune, NJ, USA .
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Krasna
keywords: Quality of care; benchmarks; health service research; lung cancer; model of care delivery