Adoption of an interdisciplinary women’s wellness and menopausal symptom management clinic.

Abstract

360 Background: Cancer survivorship care for women remains fragmented with unmet needs particularly for menopause care and sexual health, which impact quality of life and medication adherence. This is particularly apparent when therapeutic options are constrained by avoidance of systemic hormonal medications. To address these gaps, in 2025, we launched an advanced practice provider (APP)-led comprehensive, interdisciplinary Women’s Cancer Wellness Clinic at UNC Chapel Hill to deliver coordinated, patient-centered supportive care virtually or in-person. Methods: A needs assessment survey distributed to medical oncology providers at UNC identified key needs for a referral-based oncology-embedded clinic for menopausal and sexual symptom management. Decision tools regarding hormone use were developed collaboratively between gynecology and oncology teams prior to clinic launch. Eligible patients within the UNC system were referred by their oncologist or via self-referral at any time after diagnosis. Patient primary cancer diagnosis, demographics and clinic utilization were assessed over the first eight months post-launch. Results: Table 1 shows patient demographics and visit characteristics with 104 unique patients seen across 188 encounters. The predominant presenting needs were genitourinary symptoms (30%), vasomotor symptoms (26%), pain with sex (9%), and primary ovarian insufficiency/early menopause (9%). The average time from referral to first visit was 21.5 ± 13.8 days. Most patients selected virtual visits, and most had at least one return visit. Conclusions: An oncology-embedded Women’s Cancer Wellness Clinic had promising early referral and utilization patterns and demonstrated a high burden of unmet needs among female cancer survivors. There is opportunity to improve reach across the state and between cancer types and race. Sexual wellness concerns emerged as a notable need and warrant further supportive services. Ongoing evaluation of the clinic will focus on long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction, and integration across oncology care pathways. Impact: An oncology-embedded, APP led, virtual consultation model utilizing guideline-concordant hormonal and non-hormonal options for symptom management provides a framework for institutions seeking to enhance supportive care of menopausal and sexual symptoms in women oncology survivors. Patient profile (n=104) and clinic utilization. Age, y 49.8 ± 10.8 Race 83% White 9% Black 9% Other Cancer Type 82% Breast 7% Hematological 5% Gynecological 2% Colorectal 5% Other Visit Type 104 New 84 Return Visit Format 74% Virtual 26% In-person Patient Location 67% From counties adjacent to UNC