Implementing Coordinated Social Care Networks for Patients With Cancer: Insights From Community-Based Organization Leaders

PURPOSE Coordinated social care networks (CSCN) could improve patient access to community-based organizations (CBOs) that address cancer disparities and health-related social risks. However, little is known about CBO leaders' perspectives regarding serving patients with cancer, addressing health-related social risks, or participating in CSCNs. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using the most common CBO referrals from 2020 to 2021 in a New Haven CT-based hospital system to guide sampling. We compiled a list of relevant CBOs and conducted semistructured interviews with CBO leaders from June 2021 to January 2023. The interview guide explored CBO leaders' awareness of cancer-related service needs, the CBO referral process, and perceived barriers and facilitators of CSCN participation. Thematic analysis identified emerging themes related to CBO ability to support needs of clients with cancer, challenges in accessing services, and interest in joining a CSCN. RESULTS Leaders from 13 CBOs participated, representing food pantries (n = 4), financial assistance and medical equipment (n = 3), cancer-specific advocacy groups (n = 2), homeless shelters (n = 2), transportation agencies (n = 2), and general services (n = 2). We identified five themes related to context and needs of CBOs and their clients: cancer-specific service needs, challenges accessing services in community, service gaps in community, CBOs' ability to address client needs, and challenges referring clients to other services. Two themes emerged in CSCN participation: perceived value of participation and key barriers to CSCN engagement including lack of resources, staff, and training and prior experiences with existing referral platforms. CONCLUSION Although CSCNs could be a helpful mechanism for addressing service gaps and improve CBO collaboration in cancer care, critical barriers such as awareness of specific needs for patients with cancer and limited CBO resources for engaging with and supporting CSCNs may hinder implementation.