Congress Abstracts 2006

14

NURSE NAVIGATOR: CLINICAL LEADER IN PATIENT-CENTRIC STAT LUNG CANCER CLINIC. Barbara Wilson, RN, MS, OCN^®, AOCN^®, CS, Rebecca Holder, RN, and Margaret Torres, RN, MN, OCN^®, WellStar, Marietta, GA.

Review of 2004 Cancer Data Registry information revealed that our average length of time from diagnosis to treatment for patients with primary lung cancer was 53 days. Through analysis of 'usual course' for patients barriers to timely definitive diagnosis, accurate staging, discussion of treatment options and initiation of therapy were explored. Multiple appointments and communication were identified by patients and professionals as major contributors to delays.

Patients, physicians, and staff of departments expected to be involved in expediting this process embraced the concept of a patient-centric model. The Nurse Navigator position was established to ensure that patients had timely access to diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, scheduling of medical and surgical procedures, clinical trials, reports, information, and resources.

The "STAT (Speciality Teams And Treatments)Cancer Clinic" was developed to create a positive sense of urgency and significantly reduce the time from diagnosis to treatment.

The team of clinical professionals and staff from supporting departments met weekly for six months to plan a clinic where patients with chest abnormalities (confirmed or suspicious for lung cancer) would be seen in one place by one physician specialist after another on the same day. At the end of the clinic day the team of specialists meet to discuss and arrive at a consensus regarding treatment options. The following day the treatment plan is communicated to the patient.

In the first four months, the average time from diagnosis to treatment went from 53 to 22.5 days, exceeding our target of 30 days. In addition to seeing physician specialists and Nurse Navigator, the 6-10 patients per Clinic may also see a dietitian, counselor and social worker.

Our STAT Clinic has fundamentally changed the way cancer care is delivered by bringing healthcare providers to the patient. The Nurse Navigator has been essential to the success of the STAT Clinic by establishing a relationship with patients as soon as they are referred and remaining a liaison between physicians, patient, offices, and departments. The results are immediate access for patients with efficient use of time and resources for everyone involved.