A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planning committee will organize and host a 1.5-day public workshop that will examine changes in cancer care and cancer research that occurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and consider lessons learned from that experience in order to improve the delivery of high-quality cancer care and the conduct of cancer clinical trials in the post-pandemic era, with an emphasis on health equity. The workshop will feature invited presentations and panel discussions on topics that may include:
• A review of clinical practice changes, such as increased use of telehealth, that were implemented in response to the pandemic, and their impact on cancer research and care.
• Opportunities and strategies to retain and build on changes that are beneficial to:
o Advance the delivery of high-quality cancer care (e.g., by improving patient-centeredness, accessibility, equity, and affordability).
o Improve the conduct of cancer clinical trials (e.g., by facilitating inclusive, community-based clinical trials, leveraging digital tools and technologies).
• Policy and regulatory modifications that may be needed to continue beneficial changes in cancer care and clinical trials.
The planning committee will develop the agenda for the workshop sessions, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. A proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.