Program Improves Guysborough-Antigonish-Strait Cancer Care

CANCER CARE N.S.--Program Improves Guysborough-Antigonish-Strait Cancer Care

Cancer Patient Navigation -- a service which supports cancer patients, their families and health professionals -- has helped improve overall cancer care in the Guysborough-Antigonish-Strait area, one of the first three Nova Scotia health districts to implement it, says an evaluation released today, Jan. 23, by Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

The report says programs in all three districts -- Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, South West Health and Pictou County Health Authority -- have been well received by health professionals and by patients and their families. It strongly recommends that Patient Navigation be implemented in all health districts throughout Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia's plan for better health care, Your Health Matters, is all about improving care for patients and their families," said Premier John Hamm. "All Nova Scotians should be proud of the progress made in cancer care through Patient Navigation."

Theresa Marie Underhill, chief operating officer, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, said the evaluation proves that the program is doing what it intended to do -- improve community care for Nova Scotians. "The navigators, working closely with family doctors and cancer specialists, improve access to treatment and co-ordination of care, follow-up and support services for patients and families," she said.

"Nova Scotians can be proud of the work done by Cancer Care Nova Scotia," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "By investing in this program, Cancer Care Nova Scotia reinforces its commitment to helping Nova Scotians in their communities deal with cancer."

Findings outlined in the evaluation indicate:

• Patients, families, physicians and health professionals are extremely satisfied;
• Patients are more knowledgeable about their disease and are better prepared for appointments with cancer specialists, which is resulting in better, more efficient care;
• Through Patient Navigation, patients are often able to access more services in their home community;
• Patient Navigation is increasing collaboration among health professionals; and
• Cancer Care Nova Scotia leadership, district commitment and good communication are critical to the success of Patient Navigation.

The evaluation also indicates that patients had a high level of satisfaction with the navigators' ability to address the emotional impact of the disease, physical symptoms and complications, the challenges of travelling to the cancer centres in Halifax and Sydney and associated financial impacts.

"The patient navigator guides our cancer patients to the many services and resources that are available both inside and outside of our district. Bridging this gap has made all the difference to these patients," said Kevin MacDonald, chief executive officer, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority.

"The role of the patient navigator is in keeping with our mission, vision and values as an organization. It is a step forward in providing integrated, quality health care services to members of our community."

Judith Breau, a cancer patient from West Arichat, said being diagnosed with cancer was the lowest point of her life. "My family doctor referred me to my navigator, Charlene Porter, who has supported me since the beginning. She helped me access reliable, up-to-date information. She also helped me connect with someone who has had a similar cancer experience and that was really helpful. I'm spreading the word about navigation to everyone I know."

"Patient Navigation is an immense help to both patients and physicians," said Dr. Robert Sers, head of the department of surgery, St. Martha's Regional Hospital. "The cancer system is complex and Charlene Porter, our patient navigator, is at the patient's side co-ordinating their care to ensure that the necessary tests are completed and results are available at the right time. She provides education and information and addresses issues including financial concerns and transportation needs. Before Charlene joined our team, I spent a lot of time dealing with these issues. Now I'm able to focus my time on clinical care."

Based on these evaluation findings, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, will continue to work with health districts and the Department of Health to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to Patient Navigation in the near future. As a result of preliminary findings from the evaluation, South Shore Health and Annapolis Valley Health introduced Patient Navigation in September 2003. Patient Navigation is currently available in five of nine health districts.

The evaluation was conducted by Corporate Research Associates, following a competitive bidding process. It incorporated both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was collected through 16 focus groups, 57 one-on-one interviews, 162 patient surveys and a review of 808 records in the patient navigation database. The evaluation was designed to objectively measure the impact of Patient Navigation.

Patient Navigation is the result of extensive consultation with cancer patients, family members, health professionals, community organizations and volunteers in Nova Scotia.

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.