Allison Cuff Shimooka on May 3, 2011 |
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Topics: Patient Navigation, Methodologies, Performance Improvement, Oncology, Service Lines
As part of our 2010 research on patient navigation, our research team assembled a list of certification and training programs for navigators. We've included the prerequisites for participation, a summary of the curriculum and certification process, credentials earned, and cost.
Due to page restrictions, we weren't able to fit it into our latest publication on navigation, but you can view this information in the below PDF.
on March 4, 2011 |
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Topics: Patient Navigation, Methodologies, Performance Improvement, Patient-Focused Care
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Dr. Tom Smith from VCU Massey Cancer Center. He talked about the many challenges that oncologists face when trying to communicate with patients about their diagnoses, treatment options, and end-of-life care. One of the tools that he has been using to facilitate communication with patients at his own practice is a written plan of care. In his experience, a written plan of care not only improves communication but also can save time.
When patients come in for a consult, Dr. Smith sits down next to them and writes down all of the critical information that he wants them to take away. He tells the patient that they will get a copy of the document, and he makes notes as the conversation progresses. The end result is a written plan of care which the patient can take with them for future reference and share with family. The physician similarly can add the document to the patient's medical record and fax it to the patient's PCP and radiation oncologist.
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Using a Written Plan of Care to Improve Doctor-Patient Communication
on December 10, 2010 |
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Topics: Patient Navigation, Methodologies, Performance Improvement, Survivorship
All of you are familiar with the work that Lance Armstrong's Foundation LiveStrong has been doing to promote survivorship care. Recently, the foundation has turned its attention to patient navigation and providing support services to patients and families. While the program is still in development, the goal is to roll out a nation-wide service that helps patients to find "the right resources at the right time."
According to our contact at LiveStrong, the initiative came about organically. People who were familiar with LiveStrong would call the foundation looking for advice and support, and the Foundation staff would try to respond as best they could. Given the demand, the foundation has been working across the past year to develop more formalized resources and services.
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Patient Navigation Services Available through LiveStrong
