INNV-46. Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Cancer Care

Abstract INTRODUCTION Navigating neuro-oncology care in brain tumor patients presents unique challenges due to patients’ symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and complex multi-disciplinary treatment pathways. An institutional quality survey revealed inconsistent patient advocacy, communication, and the absence of standardized processes to identify and address barriers throughout the oncology care continuum. Here, we address barriers to care workflow to help brain tumor and other oncology patients. METHODS A multidisciplinary Barriers to Care (BTC) workgroup developed an early screening assessment tool specifically tailored to oncology patients. The BTC assessment tool integrates existing navigation tools, the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, and the NCCN Distress Management tool, and is embedded into the electronic medical record (EMR) system. RN navigators received specialized training to perform and document the assessment. RESULTS From July 2024 to January 2025, 748 BTC assessments and 351 distress thermometer assessments were completed within the oncology population at University of Wisconsin Madison, identifying 511 barriers. This led to RN navigators providing 682 internal UW Health referrals and 310 community resource referrals, facilitating targeted support for patients’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. DISCUSSION The BTC initiative enhances patient-centered oncology care by mitigating barriers through advocacy, education, and coordination with clinical teams, improving access, treatment adherence, and quality of life. This approach highlights the importance of proactive, standardized screening of social and clinical determinants to empower brain tumor patients and promote continuity of care. Future efforts will focus on evaluating the tool’s impact, gathering navigator feedback, standardizing documentation, clarifying resource definitions, and conducting periodic reviews.