Cancer Patient Navigation Program Extended
Cancer patients in two more areas of the province now have access to Cancer Patient Navigation, a support program for cancer patients and their families.
Official program launches will take place Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the region served by Annapolis Valley Health and on Wednesday, Sept. 24 in the area served by South Shore Health.
That means cancer patients in five of the province's nine health districts will now have access to the program, which provides improved access and enhanced co-ordination of treatment, follow- up and support services to cancer patients. Special staff members, known as "navigators," ensure patients have the information, knowledge and support they need as they journey through the cancer care system. The navigators work closely with family doctors, cancer specialists, patients and their families to strengthen community cancer services.
"Patients have told us that cancer treatment is like going through a maze," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner, Cancer Care Nova Scotia "We listened and responded by developing Cancer Patient Navigation for Nova Scotians. Now, the rest of Canada is looking to us on how they too, can enhance access for their patients."
Since the program was launched in February 2002 in three early adopter districts (Pictou County, Guysborough Antigonish Strait and South West Health), navigators have worked with more than 900 patients and 300 family members, physicians and other health professionals.
"This program provides tremendous support to cancer patients and their families in Nova Scotia," said Premier John Hamm. "I'm extremely pleased to see that it is being expanded to two more regions in our province."
"I'd also like to commend Cancer Care Nova Scotia for the hard work they have done on the development and implementation of this important program."
"A cancer diagnosis can have an overwhelming impact on the lives of patients and their families," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Having a helping hand to navigate them through this process is not only comforting, it also makes sure that they have the information, knowledge, and support they need to cope and heal to meet the future."
About 24,000 Nova Scotians are living with cancer. Almost 4,000 of them are living with cancer in regions served by South Shore Health and Annapolis Valley Health. During the next year about 5,000 new cases will be diagnosed, 800 in these two districts.
"With the launch of the Patient Navigation Program, cancer patients in Annapolis Valley Health (AVH), will now have more support and assistance in our district," said Anne McGuire, CEO, Annapolis Valley Health. "The AVH Cancer Care Committee found the navigation role is a top priority for patients and families coping with a cancer diagnosis. Working in partnership with Cancer Care Nova Scotia, AVH will be able to help cancer patients, their families and loved ones find the best care and services possible during their treatment and beyond."
"We are pleased to be working in partnership with Cancer Care Nova Scotia to provide a service that will positively impact the lives of hundreds of cancer patients and their families in our District," said South Shore Health's CEO Kevin McNamara. "Patient Navigation will improve access to, and co-ordination of, cancer services and greatly enhance the quality of cancer care provided in our hospitals and in the community."
During extensive consultation, cancer patients, family members, health professionals, community organizations and volunteers indicated that patients need more care from the time of diagnosis, more timely information and more involvement by the family doctor. These recommendations formed the foundation for Patient Navigation.
A formal evaluation of Patient Navigation is currently underway in the early adopter districts. The evaluation will clarify the role of the patient navigator and ways of improving co-ordination and continuity of care. Evaluation results will be available in November 2003.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.