Why Does It Take So Long.. Who Am I?

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Patient Navigation Services BY: JACKIE WITT, RN, MS When a patient is diagnosed with cancer he or she can become overwhelmed. Undergoing various treatments and dealing with healthcare professionals from different specialties like surgeons, radiologists, pharmacists, and medical and radiation oncologists can be a lot to handle. Because of this, the Lynn Cancer Institute is implementing a Navigation program to assure patients are identified and guided through their plan of care within the Lynn Cancer Institute system, and to act as a liaison with physicians, including the referring physician and primary care, assuring timely correspondence regarding their patients. The Oncology Nurse Navigator will offer medical guidance, and walk patients and their families through the cancer treatment process. The role of an Oncology Nurse navigator may include: • Planning and educating patients and families about their individual cancer diagnosis and treatment options • Supporting and navigating each patient through treatment by reinforcing education and coordinating information and care with a team of physicians and allied healthcare professionals • Participating in the weekly cancer conferences with the LCI team of physicians, genetic counselors, and nurses to discuss and determine the best treatment plan for each newly diagnosed patient with cancer • Referring patients to appropriate cancer support programs at the LCI and resources in their communities • Teaching about cancer prevention, screening guidelines, diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of early detection Growth BY: HELEN BERGGREN, MHA It is conflicting to write about growth when what we do is treat and support cancer patients. I doubt there is one among us who wouldn’t be glad to be out of a job because someone found the cure. Having said that, cancer is a reality. At LCI we have the opportunity to provide the highest quality, compassionate care to patients. We have staff and technical resources second to none and an array of support services that far exceeds what is provided elsewhere. And yet, the number of patients coming to us is dropping compared to last year. We have excellent patient satisfaction scores at LCI and that’s because every person working here is focused on patients being treated with dignity and compassion. Each of us needs to continue to remain aware that every day the patients are the number one priority of our day. Patients like our facilities, but they come for our people. They talk to their families and friends about our people. While there are many large issues that we can’t influence, there are the kind words and smiles that we can give. So, keep caring and taking that extra step like you always do. We’re working on the other issues and combined we can make it happen! The easy responses are that there is increased competition, not enough marketing and the economy. All these issues are being addressed. But, I would like to discuss how each of us has the opportunity to play a role in growth. Growth is important because it enables us to keep pace with the increasing costs of drugs, technology, supplies and people. 6 | THE FYI @ LCI | WINTER 2012
Critical Drug Shortages BY: SIGAL NADULEK, RPH, CTH Drug shortage in the United States has reached an all time high. There were 210 drugs added to the shortage list so far this year. That number is expected to reach over 300 by year’s end. According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practice, the number of drugs that are on short supply are triple the number listed in 2006. The topic of drug shortage has recently made national headlines when chemotherapeutic medications became unavailable. Chemotherapy agents account for 16% of the shortage, other medications that are on the list range from antibiotics, blood pressure medications, anesthetics, as well as pain medications, trace elements and vaccines. The factors leading to the shortages vary as widely as the indication for the medications affected. Many medications are made by only one or two manufacturers. When manufacturing problems arise such as lack of natural raw product or a suspension of usage of a facility; the burden of increased production falls on the remaining manufacturer, who cannot keep up with the demand. The cost of production of generic medication has increased leading to insufficient financial incentive to continuing the manufacturing of these drugs. Many manufacturers choose to cease production on the medications that are not profitable and begin production on medications that are more economically sound. Another factor leading to the shortage is the recent merger of manufacturing companies. When the only two companies that produce a medication merge, the production of the medication is cut in half since only one of the plants will be assigned to continue the manufacturing the medication. The CHO Pharmacy has been diligent in their response to the shortage. The shortage list is reviewed on a daily basis and countless hours are spent searching and locating the medications. The CHO Pharmacy communicates regularly with our physicians and oncology nurses so that patient care remains the priority despite these difficult circumstances. In October 2011, the FDA issued a letter to the drug industry expressing their concern and extending their assistance when a potential shortage is expected. We hope that the FDA’s intervention will help ease the crisis. For now, we will continue our vigilance in attempt to ensure that disruption in patient care is minimized. Mission & Vision LYNN CANCER INSTITUTE Outstanding Press Ganey Scores BY: BARBARA MCINTYRE, MHA, RTT MISSION: The Lynn Cancer Institute is focused on elevating the level of care and setting the standard for quality cancer care in our region by providing professional excellence, offering multidisciplinary subspecialty clinics, integrating advances in science, technology and clinical research; and building a comprehensive support team for patients and families. VISION: To be recognized as a national leader and the premier provider of cancer care in South Florida. The Radiation Oncology Department were recognized, by the Boca Regional Board of Directors, for their outstanding accomplishments in the Press Ganey Survey for fiscal year 2011. They completed the year in the 94th percentile nationwide, up from the 70th percentile the previous year! To accomplish this high achievement, a total department effort was instituted. Action plans, scripting, personal cards with contact names, monthly meetings, bubbles and bells at the end of a course of treatment, and creating a positive encounter with every patient, and their family, made this possible. It was truly a team effort. Great job and keep up the outstanding work! WINTER 2012 | THE FYI @ LCI | 7
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