Consortium Addresses Breast Cancer Disparities in Memphis

July 7, 2021
Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium creates Care Pathway Initiative to conduct baseline study of variation in quality of care

In Memphis, Tenn., Black women are dying from breast cancer at approximately three times the rate of White women. The Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium (MBCC), formed in 2016, marked the first phase of a comprehensive community-wide effort to address the disparities.

Although several activities already had been implemented to increase awareness of breast cancer disparities and provide services, MBCC members started by creating a first-ever, community-wide report. (Common Table Health Alliance (CTHA) is the administrative home of the Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium. CTHA has focused on healthcare equity and disparities for over 21 years.)

Now MBCC is working to understand and improve care pathways. "By developing a patient-centric care pathway, MBCC plans to systematically address the root causes of disparities,” said Carla Baker, the group’s chief operating officer, in a statement.

MBCC currently represents 38 member organizations including survivor groups, consumer advocacy groups, health systems, universities, health plans, the Shelby County Health Department, and the Tennessee Department of Health.

The group created a Care Pathway Initiative, sponsored by Amgen, to conduct baseline quality metrics of variation in care with the overall aim to enhance quality of care. Rabble Health, a digital patient engagement company, conducted an assessment of 81 breast patients regarding their ability to receive optimal care and services. Following the baseline assessment, solutions to improve health literacy and patient empowerment were highlighted, including the myRabble digital patient engagement platform.

"The data from Margaret West Comprehensive Cancer Center, a facet of West Cancer Center, was remarkable", said Aubrey Kelly, CEO of Rabble Health in a statement, adding, "As a full-service institution, many breast cancer patients treated at West were able to have a mammogram and biopsy the same day if needed. In cancer, every day counts, and patients should be provided the tools and resources to connect, understand their options, communicate goals of care, and manage through their diagnosis. Care pathway efficiencies can translate to optimized care and potentially improved outcomes."

Preliminary findings include a call to action for breast centers to address disparities in care by measuring adherence and improvements in quality measures and health literacy.

"To make a significant impact in healthcare disparities, our healthcare institutions have to take an unbiased look at their data, policies and practices,” said Gregory Vidal, M.D., Ph.D., a breast medical oncologist at West. “We are pleased to see independent data confirming the exceptional service we provide for all our West Cancer Center patients. We hope this approach can be replicated at other institutions to help address disparities in care across our beloved city."

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