SIMCOE MUSKOKA REGIONAL CANCER PROGRAM e-newsletter

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1 January 2013, Winter Edition Message From the Regional Vice President The Team Lindsey Crawford Regional Vice President Dr. Bryn Pressnail Clinical Program Director and Clinical Staging Lead Tracey Keighley-Clarke Program Director Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program Dr. Rob El-Maraghi Chief of Oncology Dr. Christiaan Stevens Interim Head, Radiation Treatment Program Dr. Sara Rask Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Treatment Dr. Michael Anderson Surgical Oncology Lead & Chair Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences Dr. John Nadeau Regional Cancer Imaging Lead Dr. Marianne Belau Regional Palliative Care Lead Dr. Russell Price Regional Cancer Pathology Lead Dr. Danusia Gzik Regional Primary Care Lead Dr. George Lougheed Regional Breast Imaging Lead Thank you to the more than 100 people who participated in the kick off to the development of a regional cancer plan for the NSM LHIN on January 17. We were very fortunate to have Dr. Michael Sherar, President and CEO of Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) talk about the CCO corporate strategy and future directions. The focus was on CCO building the best health system in the world. Dr. Sherar illustrated the cancer journey through a typical patient experience. This set the stage for applying the principles and directions to our regional planning with the goal of creating the best cancer system for the North Simcoe Muskoka (NSM) Region. The second part of the day had 70 energetic and enthusiastic participants working together to embark on the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program s (SMRCP) Regional Cancer Plan journey. Regional Cancer Programs (RCP) by definition are a regional network of stakeholders, healthcare professionals and organizations involved in cancer prevention and care. The SMRCP is responsible for responding to local cancer issues, implementing provincial standards and programs for cancer care, coordinating care across local and regional healthcare providers and continually improving access to care, wait times and quality in a nutshell, planning a coordinated and integrated system for cancer care in our region, together. The objectives of the first planning workshop was to: Develop a draft vision for the program Understand the current state of the cancer system in NSM Define the ideal cancer system for NSM Identify gaps, areas for improvement and outcomes that will inform regional program plan goals and actions The session was extremely successful. The group delivered on all workshop objectives in record time and still felt energized enough to dance while competing for prizes at the end of the day. It was a great team building session as well as being informative. This first workshop is part of a bigger process that was initiated in the Fall 2012 with information gathering visits to key stakeholders. The outcome of all this planning will be a 3 year regional plan for improved cancer care, an ongoing established regional support structure (Steering Committee), and execution of a series of important cancer care improvement initiatives. The complete regional cancer planning process is outlined below: Overview of the SMRCP Regional Cancer Planning Process Internal and External Consultation Regional leads, HSPs, community agencies, LHIN, patients and families Development of a Steering Committee for planning process Kick-Off Workshop RVH Team members, HSPs, community agencies Current State and ideal state Start SMRCP Vision Steering Committee meets monthly Tasked with refining and informing plan development Ensure the plan is aligned with the Ontario Cancer Plan III and RVH strategic directions and priorities Planning Workshop Develop program goals, strategic objectives, actions Identify improvement opportunities & action plans Consensus Summit Final feedback to plan Oct 2012 May 2013 January 17, 2013 Jan May 2013 March 2013 May 2013 Continued on page 2

2 Page 2 Message From the Regional Vice President (Continued from page 1) I was really excited and encouraged by the number of diverse stakeholders from across the region that participated in the work towards development of the first Regional Cancer Plan. As a region, we have amazing resources: 75,000 square feet of beautiful, healing space, state of the art equipment, and a talented team of healthcare professionals and volunteers, locally at the Cancer Centre and throughout the NSM region. Everyone I have met throughout the region puts patients and families first, is passionate about their work and takes great pride in providing the highest quality care. As many of you know, I am new to the region and cancer care. I have spent the last 12 months learning about the local, regional and provincial cancer system. I understand some of the challenges that we face; attracting human resources, supporting care close to home, inequitable distribution of resources in the region and lack of coordination of care especially during transitions. By planning and working together as a region, we have an opportunity to create the best regional prevention and cancer system in the province. We are all owners of this system and I know that we will create something incredible; together! Lindsey Crawford Regional Vice President The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program (SMRCP) Steering Committee The Regional Cancer Plan Steering Committee will oversee the development and implementation of a regional cancer plan for the SMRCP. MEET THE TEAM Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program (SMRCP)/Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre RVH) Lindsey Crawford - VP, Regional Cancer and Clinical Services Tracey Keighley-Clarke Program Director Dr. Bryn Pressnail Clinical Program Director & Clinical Staging Lead Dr. Danusia Gzik Regional Primary Care Lead Dr, Michael Anderson Surgical Oncology Lead & Chair Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences Dr. John Nadeau Regional Cancer Imaging Lead Dr. Marianne Belau - Cancer Palliative Care Lead Dr. George Lougheed Regional Breast Imaging Lead Dr. Russell Price Regional Cancer Pathology Lead Dr. Christiaan Stevens - Interim Head, Radiation Treatment Program Dr. Sara Rask Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Carole Beals - Manager, Systemic Treatment & Regional Services Lesley Moody - Manager, Outpatient Oncology & Clinical Trials Jennifer Montgomery - Manager, Radiation Treatment Kris Amores-Hudson - Manager, Cancer & Palliative Care Unit Lesley MacInnis-Miller - Manager, Prevention Screening and Education Kyle Malkoske - Interim Head, Physics Shawn Virtue - Director, Surgery Program Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Cheryl Harrison VP, Patient Care Services Dr. Rob Cambridge Muskoka Algonquin Hospital (MAH) Vivian Demain Senior Director Clinical Services North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network (NSMPCN) Kelly Hubbard Acting Clinical Nurse Lead Collingwood General & Marine Hospital (CGMH) Norah Holder VP Patient Services/Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Kate McLachlin North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN (NSMLHIN) Susan Plewes Director, Integrated Health System Design North Simcoe Muskoka Community Care Access Centre (NSMCCAC) Karen Taillefer Senior Director, Client Services

3 Page 3 Patient Satisfaction...The Driving Force Behind What We Do Patient centered care is based on appropriate interventions paired with high quality service. In the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program, quality in all its forms, is continuously monitored to ensure patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction at our centre is collected through NRC Picker Patient Satisfaction Survey. This organization is known for its work towards improving the patient experience in health care. Data from earlier this year showcases the impact that our providers have had on patients. Would patients recommend providers in our centre? You better believe it! Over 90% of patients treated in the cancer centre completed an NRC Picker survey indicating they would completely recommend our providers to others. To add to that, over 90% of patients said they would rate the care provided in our centre as very good or excellent. How Do We Do This? Involving family & friends in the care and treatment of patients Explaining the need for all tests in a clear manner Maintaining high levels of knowledge in the area of cancer treatment What Are We Doing to IMPROVE? My oncologist and team were remarkable, and I can contact them any time with concerns. I was blessed with my team. Outstanding!!! - Anonymous patient quote While patient satisfaction at the centre is high, there is always room for growth. With that in mind, strategies are in place to continuously gather patient, family member, friend and caregiver feedback in an effort to engage them in care and improve the patient experience overall. Collecting patient feedback: A comment box has been placed at the main cancer centre reception desk so we may respond to all suggestions in a timely manner. Patients leaving contact information can be informed of the work we are doing to incorporate feedback. Targeted Surveys: Various patient groups are engaged to provide feedback on specific processes, from wait times in chemotherapy, to the use of Ontario Telemedicine Network technology to receive care closer to home. Results from these surveys drive future work. Patient & Family Advisory Council: The start up of this council will ensure that patients and their loved ones have a direct impact on the care provided within the centre. For more details, see Article titled Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) featured on page 4 of the newsletter. SMRCP Funds New Tobacco-Free Signage To help promote and raise awareness to visitors of RVH, the SMRCP has funded the recent installment of more than 50 signs throughout the RVH campus promoting our tobacco-free environment. New signs have been positioned throughout the visitor and staff parking lots, at entrances throughout the centre, and near most benches and sitting areas. Signs have also been placed throughout the gardens near the new main entrance. Signage reminds everyone that there is absolutely no smoking, anywhere on RVH property. Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Treatment Cancer Care Ontario and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sara Rask to the position of Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Treatment effective Nov 1, She joined the medical oncology team at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre in July, Dr. Rask s clinical focus is in breast and gastrointestinal malignancies. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rask to her new role.

4 Page 4 Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Share your story. Tell us your ideas. Help us enhance your care. SMRCP has launched its first Patient and Family Advisory Council where patients, families, and staff members unite to enhance the patient experience in the SMRCP. The council was established to enhance our patient care by directly involving patients in the decision making process. Commitment is enhanced by utilizing the Experience-Based Design principles from the United Kingdom. By having patients bring suggestions and help implement improvements, we are creating a truly patient focused model. This local council will complement the work by the Provincial Patient & Family Advisory Council undertaken by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). Specifically, CCO s council consists of two patient representatives from each of the fourteen Local Integrated Health Networks (LHIN). The council consists of patients representing various disease sites and family members who share the cancer journey with their loved ones. It also includes representatives from various service areas within the regional cancer program; including social work, education and prevention, systemic treatment and radiation treatment. In November 2012, through a vigorous application process, council members were identified. The council will have its first orientation session in January, The orientation will not only include the core council members, but will also include those interested in the council s work. After the initial orientation, the council members will then meet quarterly to review and enhance care in the SMRCP. The principle behind PFAC originated from the United Kingdom, where the philosophy of the council is at the core of the National Health System. PFAC is built on experienced based design where the council aims to achieve the following: Capture: Patient and staff share their stories Understand: Identify emotions in the story, and map emotional highs and lows Improve: Co-design a turning experience into action Measure: Evaluate and sustain the improvement This will give participants an opportunity to identify key moments and interactions in the pathway where emotions have been shaped. These emotions are known as touchpoints, which can then help identify key priorities in the care process and make certain the experiences at those key times are compassionate, inspiring and patient centered. In summary, the PFAC looks to capture the experience, understand the experience, improve the experience and measure the improvement. If you are interested in attending our orientation session, please contact Susanna Wong at (705) ext or wongsu@rvh.on.ca. Cancer Care Community Pearls OBSP High Risk Screening Program Update On November , the Regional Cancer Program opened our doors to the community, referring physicians and healthcare practitioners. It was an interactive evening with lively discussions, display booths on cancer prevention, screening and patient education, as well as updates from our staff. The event finished with a behind-the-scenes tour of our new 75,000 sq ft facility. Missed this event? Not to worry. Our next regional event will be in Spring Stay tuned! The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is now offering screening for women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. The OBSP High Risk Screening Program is available for women who are: between the ages of 30 and 69 Asymptomatic at a high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history. Eligible women will be screened annually with mammography and MRI. Participation in the program requires a referral from a physician and a valid OHIP number. Attendees visiting one of the many booth displays Ready, set, tour! Attendees assemble in the main reception area at the start of the tour. More information and the requisition for High Risk Screening can be found at: Please fax completed requisition to the OBSP High Risk Screening Navigator at (705) The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program e-newsletter welcomes your input. Please feel free to Alissa Hanslip at: hanslipa@rvh.on.ca

5 Page 5 Spotlight on Community Partner - North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network The North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network (NSMPCN) is an alliance of health care providers, volunteers, and consumers who facilitate the planning and development of quality palliative care to the residents of our communities. We are tasked with: Creating a broad system design for palliative care Coordinating and integrating palliative care services at a systems level Monitoring and assessing community needs Promoting service innovations Palliative care service, education and research One key component of NSMPCN s palliative healthcare practice education is the promotion of Advance Care Planning. An Advance Care Plan is a conversation about end of life wishes that ideally takes place before a person is ill. It identifies how much intervention is desired in the event of a critical illness or injury and appoints a substitute decision maker. 86% of Canadians have not heard of advance care planning Less than half have had a discussion with a family member or friend about healthcare treatments if they were ill and unable to communicate Only 9% had ever spoken to a healthcare provider about their wishes for care Please help us to spread the word about the importance of Advance Care Planning. For more information please contact us at or visit our website: Falls Hurt. Lets Prevent Falls. Regardless of age, falls are a serious problem among our cancer patients. In the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program (SMRCP), as part of patient centered care, we are introducing an outpatient falls prevention program which aims to reduce the number of falls with our outpatient population Cancer patients are at increased risk of falls due to many reasons; including medications, bone involvement of cancer, dizziness, low blood counts, urinary or bowel changes and numbness in the feet from chemotherapy. Compared to general population, falling can harm a cancer patient far more, leading to serious injury or even death. To ensure the safety of our patients, both at our centre and at home, we are introducing a falls risk assessment tool. With the risk of falls assessment tool, a nurse will assess all patients for risk of fall at admission, within six week of a fall, and change in treatment. Based on these assessments, if a patient is at high risk of falls, interventions will be considered to prevent future falls. The 2 nd Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative & End-Of- Life Care (LEAP) Conference, held November 2nd and 3rd in Collingwood, was well received. The program was developed from a proposal submitted to Cancer Care Ontario by the Cancer Program in 2011 to enhance palliative care knowledge in our primary care and community healthcare professionals. 2nd LEAP Palliative Care Conference a Success! (pictured below) - Trish Rawn, Palliative Care Resource Nurse at the North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network, leads one of the case discussions on symptom management To date, we ve had over 50 physicians and healthcare professionals attend our two LEAP conferences. Feedback has been extremely positive. If you wish to find out about the LEAP mentorship program, or be on the list for future events please contact Susanna Wong, Regional Education Lead at wongsu@rvh.on.ca. Newsletter Editor: Tracey Keighley-Clarke (pictured above) - presenters and audience members discuss best practices in communicating palliative care issues. Newsletter Developer: Alissa Hanslip