The Cancer Resource Network

Transcription

1 The Cancer Resource Network Having Cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn t be. Massachusetts Health Care Training Forum April 2011 Janet McGrail Spillane, Gayle Bagley

2 What is the Cancer Resource Network? A coordinated approach to FREE and low cost: Services Programs Resources Timely Information Designed to assist: Patients Caregivers Survivors Health Professionals Hospitals via CoC Standards for accreditation

3 Cancer Resource Network Goals Reach more newly diagnosed patients, with a focus on the medically underserved. Deliver timely information and support programs Promote informed decision making Enhance quality of life for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers Enhance constituent relationship management with patients, survivors and caregivers Allow for a coordinated approach to promote ACS programs and services

4 How to Access the Cancer Resource Network? Access Through Referrals to: ACS-2345 which is staffed 24hours a day/7 days a week by highly trained compassionate cancer information specialist Website: Local staff offices Local ACS Cancer Resource Centers ACS Patient Navigators

5 Cancer Resource Network Giving Patients What They Need Information Day-to-Day Help Emotional Support ACS Clinical Trials Matching Services I Can Cope Patient Navigator Assistance with Financial problems Insurance Matters Transportation to Treatment Support for Breast Cancer Survivors Hope Lodge Patient Navigator tlc Look Good Feel Better Reach to Recovery Man to Man Cancer Survivors Network

6 Road to Recovery and Transportation Services Transportation is a need for thousands of cancer patients. Volunteer drivers transport survivors to and from their cancer treatment. 80% of service requests to ACS are for rides to treatment. Other local resources available to help patients

7 I Can Cope Educational program for people facing cancer either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. FREE to attendees Offers help in the form of reliable information, peer support, and practical coping skills Has curriculum of 13 topics that the hospital can choose from Ex of topics: Learning About Cancer, Understanding Cancer Treatments, Nutrition During and After Treatment, Keeping Well in Mind and Body, Sexuality etc

8 Look Good Feel Better Occurs monthly or bi-monthly at local hospitals Gives tips on make-up, skin and nail care, and head coverings.. All programs are non-medical, free of charge, and productneutral. FREE MAKEUP!

9 Personal Health Organizer Patients receive a portfolio of high-quality information, and access to resources available in the community-including ACS programs and community based programs. Provides information and resources for day to day help and emotional support Helps with easy organization of medical paperwork such as test results, doctor appointments, and medicines FREE to patients Targeted for patients who are newly diagnosed (within one year of diagnosis) Made with specific information on patient s type of cancer Empowers patient to make informed health related decisions. Encourages health related dialogue between patient & healthcare team.

10 Benefits of Cancer Resource Network Patients Live connection to trained cancer information specialist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Comprehensive network of local services plus national programs such as clinical trials one call does it all Unique understanding of the needs of cancer patients from insurance questions to emotional concerns Healthcare Providers Extraordinary support for your patients Affiliation with one of the nation s most trusted and respected healthcare organizations Removes barriers that make it difficult for patients to get to their treatment Help support CoC Standards for hospital accreditation

11 Examples of Collaboration Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Commission on Cancer Hospitals National Cancer Institute Hospitals Various Radiation/Hemoc Centers

12 Questions? Thank you!