The concept of developing and integrating the virtual Cancer center for outpatient services into existing primary care units

Introduction. The key functional objectives of the Outpatient (Ambulatory) Cancer Care Center (OCCC) are: the improvement the accessibility and quality of medical care for patients in whom a tumor process is suspected, and for patients with an established diagnosis of malignant neoplasm. OCCC solves important problems in ensuring complete, timely diagnosis, and early beginning of the treatment. The finding optimal ways to manage the work in the OCCC will help achieve the key indicators of the capital’s regional project “Fighting Cancer.”

Purpose of the study. Description of a possible option for the formation of a virtual digital Cancer Center for outpatient care operating on the basis of conventional polyclinics and hospitals without placing forces and means of oncological care (primary care) in separate buildings by combining oncological and regular medical care provided for a unified patients flow.

Results. The concept of managing virtual digital OCCC has been developed. That concept can be realized through wide teaching (initially or later on) and granting the additional (second / double specialty) medical specialization in “oncology” to the physicians working in ordinary clinics / hospitals. Some types of highly specialized anticancer treatment (radiotherapy, complex/combined procedures) will continue to be provided centrally in individual medical centers / departments at other levels.

Materials and methods. This research study is based on results obtained through searching the relevant sources in the Google system and elibrary.ru (RSCI database). We analyzed the results published over 2021–2022.

Research limitations. Despite the obviousness of some prospects for managing a virtual OCCC, this concept requires testing in pilot studies, with their implementation in real clinical practice.

Conclusions. If positive results are obtained and confirmed, this approach may become more widespread in the oncological service.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require submission of the opinion of the biomedical ethics committee or other documents.

Contribution of the authors:
Andreev D.A. — material collection and processing, collection of literature data, compilation of the list of literature, writing the text;
Zavyalov A.A. — research concept and design, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of its final version.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: January 19, 2023 / Accepted: April 12, 2023 / Published: June 28, 2024