NCCN Publications and White Papers
NCCN Pharmacy Directors Forum Investigational Drug Services (IDS) work group publication
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Investigational Drug Service Consensus Recommendations (American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, November 2021)
Summary:
In 2019, the NCCN Pharmacy Directors Forum created an Investigational Drug Services (IDS) work group. The work group, which included representatives from NCCN Member Institutions, identified 7 practice areas where there were gaps or opportunities to clarify or expand upon existing literature to address routine problems that can occur during prescribing, receiving, storing, preparing, and delivering investigational drugs. The work group drafted a consensus statement for each of the 7 identified practice areas which were approved by the NCCN Pharmacy Directors Forum and formally endorsed by NCCN.
NCCN Pharmacy Directors Forum publications
Which hematology/oncology patients are high priority for ambulatory clinical pharmacist review? A three-round Delphi survey by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, February 2023)
Abstract:
Prioritization and acuity tools have been leveraged to facilitate targeted and efficient clinical pharmacist interventions. However, there is a lack of established pharmacy-specific acuity factors in the ambulatory hematology/oncology setting. Therefore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Pharmacy Directors Forum conducted a survey to establish consensus on acuity factors associated with hematology/oncology patients that are high priority for ambulatory clinical pharmacist review.
Abstract:
The exclusion of hospital-based specialty pharmacies from limited distribution networks disrupts the existing supply chain established by health systems. Instead of utilizing a medication supply stocked in the clinic or hospital, medications must be supplied through alternative procurement methods of “brown or white bagging”. For brown bagging, medications are sent to the patient to bring to their clinic visit, and for white bagging patient-specific medications are sent to the health system for use prior to their clinic visit or during an infusion. These processes create operational challenges and clinical concerns for patients and health systems, and are in conflict with competing Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requirements for hospitals/organizations. Many health systems have developed policies strictly banning “brown bagging”. Therefore, the exclusion of NCCN member institutions from limited distribution networks may jeopardize the safety and
quality of patient care that the networks hope to enhance.
Abstract:
Biosimilar medications have the potential to reduce expenses to our overall healthcare system, and their adoption by payors and providers is starting to significantly increase. However, adopting these medications into a clinical setting is impacted by external as well as internal forces which create unique challenges. A working group within the Pharmacy Directors Forum of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has reviewed and highlighted some of the potential challenges regarding adopting biosimilars into clinical practice. The work group has summarized several recommendations for the safe and efficient use of biosimilar medications in the clinical setting.
NCCN EHR Oncology Advisory Group publications
Clinician Perspectives Regarding the Impact of Information Technology on Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survey (JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, November 2023)
Abstract:
Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) support high-quality cancer care. Little is known about the impact of information technology (IT) tools on the operational and technical aspects of MTBs. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network EHR Oncology Advisory Group formed a workgroup to investigate the impact of IT tools such as EHRs and virtual conferencing on MTBs.
Getting ready for real-world use of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) for patients with cancer: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network ePRO Workgroup paper (Cancer, May 2023)
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) programs may offer advantages for patients with cancer, clinicians, health care systems, payors, and society in general; but developing and maintaining an ePRO program will require cancer centers to navigate defining meaningful problems, collecting ePROs, implementing action when those ePROs require intervention without over-burdening clinicians, and monitoring the successes and failures of their ePRO programs. Physician informaticists from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Electronic Health Record Advisory Group offer 10 guiding principles to consider when contemplating, building, or refining an ePRO program for patients with cancer.
Adoption of Patient-Generated Health Data in Oncology: A Report From the NCCN EHR Oncology Advisory Group (JNCCN, January 2022)
Abstract:
Collecting, monitoring, and responding to patient-generated health data (PGHD) are associated with improved quality of life and patient satisfaction, and possibly with improved patient survival in oncology. However, the current state of adoption, types of PGHD collected, and degree of integration into electronic health records (EHRs) is unknown.
Oncologist Perspectives on Telemedicine for Patients With Cancer: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survey (JCO Oncology Practice, July 2021)
Abstract:
The use of telemedicine expanded dramatically in March 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to assess oncologist perspectives on telemedicine's present and future roles (both phone and video) for patients with cancer.
Preferences in Oncology History Documentation Styles Among Clinical Practitioners (JCO Oncology Practice, July 2021)
Abstract:
Clinical notes function as the de facto handoff between providers and assume great importance during unplanned medical encounters. An organized and thorough oncology history is essential in care coordination. We sought to understand reader preferences for oncology history organization by comparing between chronologic and narrative formats.
NCCN Best Practices Committee publications
NCCN Best Practices Committee Carboplatin & Cisplatin Shortage Survey Results (NCCN.org, June 2023)
Summary:
The survey conducted by the NCCN Best Practices Committee ran May 23-31, 2023, and features answers from 27 NCCN Member Institutions regarding the impact of ongoing shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin.
View Related Statement View Related Press Release
A Survey of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network on Approaches Toward Addressing Patients' Transportation Insecurity (JNCCN, January 2023)
Abstract:
Addressing patients' social determinants of health is a national priority for cancer treatment centers. Transportation insecurity is one major challenge for patients undergoing active cancer treatment, and missing treatments can result in worse cancer treatment outcomes, including worse morbidity and mortality. How cancer treatment centers are addressing transportation insecurity is understudied.
Measuring Advanced Practice Provider Productivity at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Member Institutions (JADPRO, July 2022)
Abstract:
The utilization of advanced practice providers (APPs) in oncology has been growing over the last decade; however, there is no standard method for assessing an APP's contributions to oncology care.
COVID-19 and Cancer Center Operations: Lessons Learned From the NCCN Best Practices Committee (JNCCN, January 2022)
Abstract:
The NCCN Best Practices Committee, which is composed of senior physician, nursing, and administrative leaders from NCCN Member Institutions, evaluated the status of cancer center operations after 1 year of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two major initiatives stood out: the increase in the utilization of network sites, and the gains made in telemedicine operations and reimbursement. Experts from NCCN Member Institutions participated in a webinar series in June 2021 to share their experiences, knowledge, and thoughts on these topics and discuss the impact on the future of cancer care.
A Study of Advanced Practice Provider Staffing Models and Professional Development Opportunities at NCCN Member Institutions (JADPRO, October 2021)
Abstract:
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Best Practices Committee created an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Workgroup to develop recommendations to support APP roles at NCCN Member Institutions. The Workgroup conducted three surveys to understand APP program structure, staffing models, and professional development opportunities at NCCN Member Institutions. This paper will identify recommendations for standardizing APP leadership and staffing structures and improving APP professional development opportunities nationwide.