Improving quality of care within the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) network.

178 Background: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) was initiated to expand cancer research and deliver quality cancer care in communities. A program goal was support of quality care initiatives. Twenty-one community sites in 16 states participated in the network providing care to approximately 40,000 cancer patients/year. We describe strategies for implementation of a structured quality program within our network. Methods: Four components served as the foundation for quality efforts: 1) increasing multidisciplinary care (MDC) programs; 2) ASCO QOPI participation; 3) Commission on Cancer Rapid Quality Reporting System (RQRS) participation; and 4) expansion of genetic counseling/services. A Quality of Care subcommittee formed to guide quality efforts within the network. Clinicians from the network served as subcommittee leadership and each site designated a quality of care lead. The subcommittee met by teleconference monthly, developed goals, shared best practices, ...