The Patient and Caregiver Oncology Quality Council (POQC) is at the heart of MOQC’s work, shaping initiatives that improve cancer care across Michigan. As leaders in quality improvement, POQC members provide insight, advocate for change, and develop resources that directly impact patients, caregivers, and oncology practice healthcare teams. Their work ensures that MOQC’s initiatives and measures are driven by lived experience and a commitment to equity and access.
POQC has developed MOQC’s financial navigation projects, ensuring that patients have access to critical support services. They also developed a financial navigation video available through the MOQC website (https://moqc.org/resources/financial-navigation/) to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams understand the importance of financial navigation in cancer care.
The CancerHelp.moqc.org Resources Search Engine continues to grow, now offering 140 resources across 14 topic areas, with recent additions focused on disability, food access, and LGBTQ+ support. The Patient and Caregiver Resources Workgroup is also working to establish a Cancer Caregiver Navigation Program to improve access to support for caregivers across all practices in Michigan.
Recruitment and retention efforts remain a priority. POQC will continue outreach efforts through community events and focus on retention of membership through a mentorship program and an updated onboarding process. The recently launched POQC recruitment video (https://moqc.org/moqc/poqc/) highlights their impact, engagement, and sense of connection within the group.
As POQC looks ahead to 2025, they remain committed to increasing awareness, deepening community involvement and understanding, and ensuring that the voices of patients and caregivers continue to guide MOQC’s work. Their leadership is shaping the future of oncology care in Michigan, one initiative at a time.