Is it worth reorganizing cancer services on the basis of network-based models to produce integration at the point-of-care? Lessons learned from Quebec

Context: Optimal management in the diagnosis, treatment and support of cancer patients is increasingly associated with network-based models of care, an approach promoted by experts worldwide and pursued as a key objective in many national cancer plans. The Quebec national cancer plan proposed that fragmentation of care should be remedied through creating local cancer networks (LCNs). Objective: To measure to what extent a mandated cancer network, prescribed at the policy level but operationalized at the point-of-care, produce integration.