DANA-FARBER/BRIGHAM AND WOMEN’S

CANCER CARE COLLABORATIVE

MEMBER

BENNETT CANCER CENTER

BENNETT CANCER CENTER | Annual Report Highlights

2017 – 2018

symptoms. This study will help identify strategies to improve management outside the ED.

Clinical TrialsIn 2018, the Bennett Cancer Center enrolled 189 patients into clinical trials, the highest number of enrollments in the history of the cancer program. The Clinical Trials program offered more than 70 research studies throughout the year, supported by the work of more than 20 investigators. Highlights include:

• The Bennett Cancer Center surpassed the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers’ patient accrual measures to meet accreditation requirements.

• The Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Care Collaborative brought two treatment trials to the Bennett Cancer Center in which three patients were enrolled. We expect to open two additional trials in early 2019.

• Research trials continue to expand with imaging and biospecimen studies. The Breast Imaging department is now offering multidisciplinary screening trials for earlier detection of breast cancer. Trials like these also offer volunteers the chance to be a part of the advancing science to defeat cancer. They include:

» A Pilot Study: “Analysis of Serum miRNA from Women Referred for Breast Biopsy with Abnormal Breast Imaging rated as BI-RADS 4 or 5”.

» A prospective image collection and reader study for clinical evaluation of a commercially available handheld ultrasound unit.

• A National Cancer Institute treatment trial was launched in support of the Cardio-Oncology program, with both cardiology and oncology investigators, SWOG S1501:

» Prospective Evaluation of Carvedilol in Prevention of Cardiac Toxicity in Patients with Metastatic HER-2+ Breast Cancer, Phase III.

Quality InitiativesWe are committed to ensuring patient safety and quality care across the organization.

• The Medical and Radiation Oncology programs were successfully reviewed by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital for continued participation in the Cancer Care Collaborative.

• Medical Oncology earned performance-based payment incentives through participation in the OCM (Oncology Care Model) and MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System). These federal programs reward demonstrated performance against metrics in quality and value-based care delivery.

• We implemented a new tool that uses information from our internal data warehouse to create business and clinical insights to help continually improve quality of patient care and monitor operational performance. This project was a joint effort of the Bennett Cancer Center quality team and internal experts from the Hospital’s Information Services Data Warehouse and the Analytics and Innovation teams.

• We successfully executed planned clinical, programmatic and quality goals for 2018. Key results include implementation of:

» High Risk Breast Program — This program seeks to identify, educate and counsel women at increased risk for breast cancer and helps them develop an individualized long-term plan of care.

» The Cardio-Oncology Program — This program identifies, educates and provides specialized treatment for patients with cardiac toxicity from chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. A patient referral pathway was developed and implemented.

» A Study to Identify Reasons for Emergency Department (ED) Utilization During Chemotherapy — Patients undergoing chemotherapy are an especially vulnerable population that may use the ED for stabilization or treatment of medical

Awards & AccoladesOur staff is well recognized within Stamford Health and in the communities we serve. Recent recognitions include:

• Fran Becker, LCSW, OSW-C, was reappointed as a Columbia University School of Social Work Field Instructor and Lecturer. Fran also received certification in ECHO’s (Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility) oncofertility training program.

• Andrea Coscarelli, BSN, RN, OCN, was appointed Interim Nurse Manager of the Bennett Cancer Center.

• April DelVecchio Gale, RT (R)(T), was promoted to Chief Therapist in Radiation Oncology.

• Eileen Krueger, LMSW, developed an education program for patients at risk for lymphedema, “Managing and Preventing Lymphedema: An Interactive Workshop.”

• Peter Mas, MS, DABMP, was promoted to Chief Physicist for Stamford Health.

• Paul Weinstein, MD, was honored by the Israel Cancer Research Fund at its Third Annual Heroes for Hope event held in November.

• David Gruen, MD, MBA, was named an inspector for the American College of Radiology, to review stereotactic biopsy programs.

• The Inpatient Oncology Unit was named Stamford Health’s 2018 Great Catch for Safety Team of the Year. The Great Catch initiative enhances Stamford Health’s ability to provide safer care to our patients.

• The following Stamford Health nurses completed the Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Biotherapy Course and received certification:

» Judy Badia, MSN, RNC» Maryrose Canieso, BSN, RN» Marissa Keane, BSN, RN» Emily Lichtenstein, BSN, RN» Kelly Lobo, BSN, RN» Christine Ruta, RN» Vanessa Sacco, RN» Wayne Vorpahl, BSN, RN

For more than 25 years, the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has offered a superior level of care to residents of Fairfield and Westchester counties. Our world-class physicians, outstanding oncology nurses, and team of skilled professionals provide the latest in treatment options and supportive services. Highlights of our achievements during the past year are outlined below.

New Team MembersNew members of our team were added to best serve the needs of our patients.

Medical Oncology and Hematology:

• Acquia Asare, Registrar Scheduler

• Karina Cardenas, Registrar Scheduler

• Ingrid Mabesa, Registrar/Scheduler

• Clarissa Rivera, Patient Access Coordinator

• Aratou Tagnidoung, CA, Clinical Assistant

• Amanda Redford, LPN, Care Coordinator

• Wayne Vorpahl, BSN, RN, Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse

Radiation Oncology:

• Ann Bishop, RTT, Radiation Therapist

• Amanda Picicci, BSN, RN, Nurse

• Joseph Ting, PhD, Physicist

Oncology Nurse Navigation:

• Vanessa Boral, MSN, BSN, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator, GI/head & neck cancers

• Kathleen (Katie) Piqueira, MSN, RN, CNL, OCN, Oncology Nurse Navigator, GU cancers

Inpatient Oncology:

• Judy Badia, MSN, RNC, Nurse Manager

Additional Achievements A newly renovated treatment suite, Clinical Trials offices and administrative and support services suite opened. We now offer 16 private rooms for patients receiving chemotherapy, which allows us to provide a warm and comfortable environment. We are grateful to the many generous donors who helped us achieve these milestone changes to the Bennett Cancer Center. Other notable accomplishments include:

• The Breast Surgery service expanded its capabilities to include surgery to prevent and treat lymphedema. Under the guidance of Leo Otake, MD, Stamford Health is the only hospital in the area to perform lymphovenous bypass for prevention and lymph node transfer for the treatment of lymphedema. Additionally, while TRAM flap reconstruction has routinely been offered to patients receiving a mastectomy, Stamford Health now offers DIEP flap reconstruction which uses autologous tissue, but preserves the abdominal wall musculature

and abdominal wall strength and minimizes the risk of hernia formation.

• The Lung Screening Program screened 415 high-risk patients with low dose chest CT in 2018. Four early stage lung cancers were diagnosed.

• A 12-week pilot program, “Endocrine Therapy and Healthy Lifestyle,” was introduced for post-treatment women on endocrine (hormonal) therapy for breast cancer. The program combined exercise, nutrition, psychosocial support and relevant educational seminars twice a week. The program was so well received that our Paint the Town Pink Girlfriends Luncheon raised over $29,000 to support offering the program to additional patients.

• New MRI scanning technology was installed in the Diagnostic Imaging Center at our Tully Health Center. The GE 1.5T SIGNA Artist wide bore system offers a new level of patient comfort with adaptable coils and imaging acceleration techniques that minimize scan times and improve image quality. The wide bore design and table engineering allows for increased table and board weight limits and a more open feel. Additionally, the new MRI machine provides innovative applications for cardiac, body (prostate, rectal mass), neurologic, breast and musculoskeletal cases.

• The Annual Symposium in May highlighted “Advances in Clinical Oncology: Integrating Primary Care into Cancer Survivorship.” The keynote speaker was Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and practicing internist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Primary Care Associates. Dr. Nekhlyudov also serves as the Clinical Director, Internal Medicine for Cancer Survivors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The symposium concluded with a robust panel discussion featuring Medical Oncologists Paul Weinstein, MD and Anne Angevine, MD along with Joseph Connelly, MD, Frances Ginsburg, MD, and Craig Olin, MD.

• Oncology nurses Vanessa Boral, Audrey Brown, Andrea Coscarelli, Holly Kostuk, Betsy Rice, Melissa Ronk, Susan Santagata and Barbara Williams completed the Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium) course.

• Alison Behm, RN, worked with dermatologist, Rhett Drugge, MD, and his team to screen and offer skin cancer prevention/sun safety education to over 50 Stamford Health

employees at two employee health fairs. Ali also participated in a health fair at Westhill High School, offering education on sun safety, HPV, smoking cessation and education, as well as breast and testicular health to over 275 students.

• Oncology Nurse Navigators Alison Behm, RN, and Vanessa Boral, RN, along with the Stamford Health Department, provided education regarding sun safety and skin cancer prevention at the Stamford Government Center.

• Vanessa Boral, RN, participated in colon cancer awareness program development and attended Dress in Blue Day at the Tully Health Center. The “Strollin’ Colon” made for a striking visual which enticed employees and visitors to stop by to learn more about the importance of colon cancer screening from endoscopy nurses and gastroenterologists.

• Melissa Ronk, RN, worked with the American Cancer Society, City of Stamford and Stamford public and parochial elementary schools to coordinate the annual Great American Smokeout “Smoking Stinks” poster contest. Over 200 posters were submitted by students and Stamford Mayor David Martin presented awards and certificates at Government Center.

• The Annual Survivorship Symposium in November highlighted “A Survivorship Guide to Managing the Effects of Menopause and Endocrine Therapy.” The keynote speaker was Katherine Takayasu, MD, from Stamford Health’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.

• Two Food for Life classes were offered this year, providing a supportive environment for education, hands-on cooking demonstrations, dining and great discussions. This comprehensive four- week program creates a community to engage in diet and lifestyle changes.

• A cooperative effort with the local organic Fairgate Farm provides a valuable activity for cancer center patients, where they can gain access to fresh organic produce and can volunteer on the farm. This year, Oncology Certified Registered Dietitian Lisa Shepard, RD, provided a presentation at the Bennett Cancer Center for patients, staff and members of the community to demonstrate easy farm-to-table recipes featuring produce from the farm.

Bennett Medical CenterOne Hospital PlazaP.O. Box 9317Stamford, CT 06904203.276.1000

StamfordHealth.org

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The Stamford Health Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center was the fi rst facility in Connecticut selected to join the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer

Care Collaborative, underscoring our proven leadership and commitment to

excellence in cancer care. Membership in this collaborative led by such renowned

leaders further expands our expertise and solidifi es our vision to provide the

best cancer care for our community today, while ensuring access to the latest in

treatments and research for the future.