South Shore Launches Cancer Patient Navigation Program
CANCER CARE N.S.--South Shore Launches Cancer Patient Navigation Program
Cancer Patient Navigation -- a service which supports cancer patients, their families and health professionals -- is being launched in the South Shore area today, Sept. 24. South Shore Health is one of five health districts in Nova Scotia now offering this service.
Through Cancer Patient Navigation, cancer patients have improved access and enhanced co-ordination of treatment, follow-up and support services. A patient navigator was hired by South Shore Health, with shared funding from Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the district. The navigator ensures that patients have the information, knowledge and support they need as they journey through the cancer care system.
"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."
Navigators work closely with family doctors, cancer specialists, patients and their families to strengthen community cancer services. The program has shown to be effective in improving access and care co-ordination in the 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 since the program launch in February 2002.
"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 South Shore Health.
"I'd also like to commend the people at Cancer Care Nova Scotia for the hard work they have done on the development and implementation of this important program."
"Linking patients, families, and health professionals together is one of the strong roles of patient navigators," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "A cancer diagnosis can have an overwhelming impact on the lives of patients and their families. 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."
Approximately 1,800 South Shore residents are living with cancer. Over the next year about 400 new cases will be diagnosed.
"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 will greatly enhance the quality of cancer care provided in our hospitals and in the community."
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the district, accounting for more than 30 per cent of all deaths in Lunenburg and Queens counties.
"Unfortunately, there is a great need for this service," said South Shore Health's medical director Mada Nestel. "Patient navigation will support patients and their families and provide crucial information about available community and financial services. The program will also support the work of physicians and other health-care providers in meeting the needs of cancer patients on the South Shore."
During extensive consultations, 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.