Innovative Pilot Program Enhances Cancer Care and Support for Indigenous Communities

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma have developed and tested a new care coordination program aimed at improving access to cancer treatment for Indigenous populations. Indigenous residents in Oklahoma experience significantly higher cancer mortality rates—44% higher than the general population within the state and 67% higher nationwide—highlighting urgent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. While many Indigenous patients receive primary care at Indian Health Service and tribal health facilities, they often face challenges such as delays, costs, and complex referral processes when seeking specialized cancer care outside their primary facilities.

Amanda Janitz, Ph.D., MPH, an epidemiology associate professor at OU, emphasized that the current referral system can be confusing and time-consuming, often leading to delays that negatively impact patient health. Additionally, long travel distances and associated costs can be formidable barriers.

Since 2012, the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center’s American Indian Navigation Program has supported over 4,400 Indigenous patients across 65 tribes, offering logistical assistance and emotional support. Building on this success, a recent pilot project, involving 128 patients between July 2023 and February 2025, aimed to further improve care through targeted interventions. This included a reduction in missed appointments from 19% to 11%, an increase in depression screening to 100%, and providing financial aid for transportation and lodging. Patients also gained a better understanding of clinical trials, while healthcare providers received cultural competency training.

The center is now expanding this initiative with the Care Coordination and Communication Program in Oncology for Tribal Health Systems. A key component involves virtual "huddles" where teams from the Stephenson Cancer Center and referring facilities collaborate in real-time to discuss patient cases, barriers, and treatment plans. These meetings include clinicians, American Indian navigators, and case managers addressing psychosocial and logistical issues. This team approach aims to streamline communication, reduce delays, and improve outcomes.

Participants in the program will be randomly assigned to receive either the huddle-based coordination or standard navigation services, with all receiving enhanced services later. The goal is to evaluate whether this approach accelerates diagnosis, treatment initiation, and improves patient satisfaction, ultimately contributing to better survival rates and health outcomes.

This innovative approach demonstrates a promising pathway toward reducing healthcare disparities faced by Indigenous communities and could serve as a model for broader implementation.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-cancer-access-indigenous-communities.html