Integrating collaborative care in oncology: Improving quality of life and mental health for patients with cancer.

Abstract

1524 Background: In the U.S., 22 million patients with cancer face unmet behavioral health needs, contributing to up to $245B in preventable healthcare costs. These unique challenges stem from physical, emotional, practical, and relational stressors associated with their cancer journey. Collaborative care, an evidenced based model that integrates behavioral health into medical settings, has been shown to improve access, outcomes, and reduce overall healthcare costs in primary care. Cerula Care offers a virtual collaborative care model that seamlessly integrates with oncology practices to improve quality of life and behavioral health outcomes. The team includes a Consulting Psychiatrist, Behavioral Health Care Manager, and Behavioral Health Coach working in coordination with oncology teams. Methods: This study analyzed data from 127 patients with cancer enrolled in Cerula Care’s 12-week virtual care program between 1/31/24 and 8/31/24. Behavioral health outcomes, including anxiety (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and quality of life (FACT), were assessed monthly. Analyses focused on baseline to two-month outcomes due to limited sample sizes beyond two months (many patients were still in earlier stages of the program). Correlations and paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate changes in outcomes. Results: Of the 127 patients enrolled, mean age was 57.1 years (range: 28–78), 83.5% were female, 52.8% identified as White, 33.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 3.1% other races. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (52.8%), followed by lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. Behavioral health outcomes from baseline to month 2 are shown in the table. Conclusions: Within just two months of care, Cerula Care significantly improved depressive symptoms and anxiety, as well as quality of life for cancer patients. Notably, improvements in quality of life were correlated with minority status, highlighting the program’s potential to reduce disparities in cancer care. By integrating behavioral health into oncology treatment, this model demonstrates a scalable, impactful solution to enhance patient outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and broader implementation across diverse oncology settings. Behavioral health outcomes from baseline to month 2. Outcome Measure Sample Size (n) Change Statistical Significance (p-value) Depressive Symptoms PHQ-9 Score 50 ↓ 4.47 points p < .001 Anxiety Levels GAD-7 Score 52 ↓ 2.06 points p = .007 Quality of Life FACT Score N/A Improved, especially in racial minority patients r = .439, p = .017