Connecting Cancer Patients & Survivors

to Community Resources

Jean A. McDonald, R.N., M.S Director Oncology & Women’s Services ProHealth Care

Carrie Ripp, MSW Program Director Stillwaters Cancer Support Services

Understand critical elements in developing a successful community partnership

Appreciate the benefits of the partnership for both the healthcare system and community partner

Recognize the value of a community partnership for the patient/consumer

Celebrate the successes

Key Takeways

ProHealth Care’s Cancer Program

1400 new cancer cases annually

2 hospitals, both ACOS accredited with commendation as well as COC outstanding achievement award

2 NAPBC accredited breast centers

3 outpatient infusion centers

7 medical oncologists

2 genetic counselors

8 cancer care coordinators/navigators

Stillwaters exists so that no person affected by cancer feels alone on their journey

1980 - Founded by Mary Soergel 1994 - Officially incorporated not-for-profit organization Only cancer support organization in WI to

provide professional counseling and emotional support services at no cost

Stillwaters Cancer Support ServicesHistory & Mission

5 licensed counselors Programming includes:

◦ Counseling, support groups, workshops, educational sessions

Cancer Committee participation Consultation to healthcare staff and staff in-

services

Stillwaters Cancer Support Services

First referral 19 years ago from medical oncologist ◦ Over the years several PHC leaders have served on Stillwaters’

Board of Directors

2010 - Waukesha awarded NCCCP grant ◦ Formalized relationship for services commences◦ Counselors on site full time, providing psychosocial support

Services continue today post grant funding, services expanded to additional cancer center locations

Evolution of ProHealth Care and Stillwaters Community Partnership

Share a common vision Develop mutually agreed upon goals for program Relationship principles

◦ Mutual respect and trust◦ Commitment to collaboration◦ Respect each organization’s strengths

Optimize Shore up the gaps, weaknesses

◦ Robust communication Both open to constructive feedback

Integrate service… becomes part of the organization Appreciate the model is dynamic Annual evaluation of program

◦ Value proposition

Key Elements of a Successful Partnership

Benefits to partnership

ProHealth Care Stillwaters

Reputation of the community partner

Expertise and commitment to patients/families

Access to services Cost effective Comprehensive program

offerings Services available in community

post treatment completion Impact on patient experience &

outcomes

Increased impact/number of clients served

Outreach of services Increased credibility with

healthcare providers Sustainable program

funding Community resource

liaison

Quality of Life:◦ Patients and family members experience increased sense of control & capability to

engage in moving forward with their cancer journey Less worry, decreased anxiety

◦ Patient’s compliance with treatment planning increases… ability to cope more effectively with distress

◦ Patients and family members express sense of support and comfort during the cancer journey

◦ Patients able to take advantage of program without worry of additional financial expense…PHC funds program

◦ Patients as well as families have access to program Facilitates effective communication amongst family members Helps with difficult conversations and challenging family dynamics

◦ Ongoing support available post active treatment

Care team◦ Embraces the program as meeting a significant and predominant need for patients

and families struggling with a cancer diagnosis◦ Patients have timely access to services, through cancer experience◦ Stillwaters’ team considered part of the care team

Benefits of this psychosocial programPatient… family… care team

Milestones

2011 20120

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Patient VisitsFamily Visits

2011 20120

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

New PatientNew Family

Milestones (cont.)

95% Client satisfaction Ability to help them cope with their diagnosis Better manage their stress Ease of access to support

“I cried when I arrived for my treatment. The 6 ½ weeks looked like an eternity. After my firstappointment with a Stillwaters counselor and subsequent sessions, a huge load began to lift as I was coached on coping skills and how to handlesituations as they arose.”

Milestones (cont.)