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The Cancer Experience: Specially-designed Program Helps Memorial Hermann Patients
Skill, talent and technology are critical to the success of cancer treatment. And so is compassion in patient care. Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers have enhanced the experience of cancer patients by fostering courage and perseverance, and delivering state-of-the-art treatment with outstanding outcomes. Along with an array of therapies that offer improved efficacy and reduced toxicity, we focus on providing an optimal treatment experience for each patient.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it can be an overwhelming and highly emotional experience, so, with the input of 120 patients, caregivers, physicians, volunteers and employees, we’ve designed our cancer care around what works for the patient - from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.
Program components include:
Oncology Nurse Navigator
As their go-to person, the oncology nurse navigator guides patients as they navigate through the cancer experience.
The oncology nurse navigator ensures all patients with suspicious findings get the information and assistance they need to obtain proper follow-up care, timely diagnosis and treatment (if necessary). Other guidance includes:
- Helping patient schedule and keep clinical appointments
- Arranging follow-up care
- Coordinating and streamlining the insurance process
- Identifying local resources and making referrals where appropriate to cancer team members
- Obtaining care or transportation for elderly and children
Of the oncology nurse navigator pilot programs that have been started around the country, results have shown that navigated patients:
- Were more likely to obtain recommended breast biopsies: 85.7 percent of navigated patients vs. 56.6 percent of non-navigated patients
- Had biopsies completed in a more timely manner: 71.4 percent completed in less than four weeks vs. 38.5 percent of non-navigated patients
- Showed improvements in breast cancer stage at diagnosis and five-year survival rates, after improved access to screenings
Our oncology nurse navigators include:
Memorial City: Bernie Hoffman, RN
Southwest: Diane Gilbert, RN
Texas Medical Center: Gayle Hatch, RN (inpatient)
Texas Medical Center: Sonja Thomas, RN (outpatient)
The Woodlands: Carol Lewis, RN
Staff and Equipment Story Cards
In alignment with the story theme, patients are given small information cards on which each physician, nurse, therapist and even pieces of equipment are introduced with a photo and description.
Journal
Keeping a journal during treatments is a therapeutic process for many cancer patients. Patients are given a journal in which they can document their cancer journey. The journal can be used to track medical and treatment details, appointments, resources and all other personal health information. Studies have shown the healing benefits of writing, which promotes understanding and acceptance of the event while lessening negative emotions associated with it.
Storytelling
The healing power of storytelling Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers are committed to supporting patients and their families. Patients are given inspirational survivor stories that may be of comfort through diagnosis and treatment. Each patient and survivor is given the opportunity to share their stories with patients going through similar challenges.
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