When West Cancer Center & Research Institute partnered with EngagedMD to reimagine the breast cancer care experience, it wasn’t just about digitizing education. It was about creating space for confidence, connection, and more human moments in care. As a founding partner of OneOncology and a nationally recognized leader in community-based cancer treatment, West has long been committed to clinical excellence and innovation. This program reflects that mission of elevating the patient experience while supporting staff and delivering on West’s vision to be a national model in comprehensive cancer care. And now, just a few months into launch, the numbers and feedback are painting a clear picture: it’s working.
Strong adoption, high engagement
In the program’s early phase, nearly 600 educational modules were assigned to breast cancer patients across six foundational topics, like Understanding Your Diagnosis, Understanding Your Pathology Report, and Your Cancer Care Team. The data shows strong, consistent use of the full educational bundle, helping ensure patients receive support across every stage of their journey.
Patients are actively engaging with the materials, a powerful signal that these resources are meeting patients where they are: overwhelmed, searching for clarity, and eager to feel prepared.
In post-module surveys, the feedback was resounding:
- 97% of patients said the modules were a helpful addition to their consultations
- 100% said learning with EngagedMD made them happier with their care
- 91.5% of patients stated they felt prepared for upcoming treatment/procedures after EngagedMD vs 62.9% pre-EngagedMD
As one patient put it when asked about their experience with the video modules:
“Better than expected. The right amount of information, not too long, reinforced what I learned from the doctor.” They even added that they “wished other doctor offices had this.”
For breast cancer patients, who often walk into appointments feeling unsure, rushed, or emotionally overloaded, those numbers and comments point to something powerful: calm, clarity, and confidence. As Chief Nursing Officer Pam Dotson explains, “The videos deliver education in easy-to-understand language with engaging graphics that enhance understanding. They’re also available for patients and caregivers to watch multiple times, reinforcing comprehension and helping information sink in.”
Creating breathing room for care teams
Behind the scenes, the impact is just as meaningful. The result isn’t just better-informed patients, it’s more meaningful appointments. By integrating education into the care journey, West Cancer Center is creating space for providers to focus less on repeating information and more on connecting with each patient as a person. The result is a more thoughtful, more connected care experience, where the basics are covered and there’s time for the bigger conversations that really matter.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that this education is helping patients feel more prepared, more confident, and more cared for. That’s exactly why we launched this program.” Dr. Richard Gilmore, Breast Surgical Oncologist at West Cancer Center
On the horizon: broader reach
The early success of the breast cancer education bundle has already led to expansion. West has since introduced additional modules on surgical treatments, including Lumpectomy and Mastectomy, as well as Radiation Therapy. Medical oncology education is currently in development, and plans are underway to extend this model to other cancer diagnoses. The foundation has been laid: a flexible, scalable patient education platform that deepens patient understanding, strengthens provider relationships, and ultimately supports better outcomes across the oncology landscape.
The results of this partnership reinforce a core belief shared by both West Cancer Center and EngagedMD: when patients are better prepared, care is more compassionate, more collaborative, and more effective.