AONN+ Conference Highlights
Dr Kronowitz, a plastic surgeon who performs breast
reconstruction surgery only, presented state-of-the-art
breast reconstruction techniques.
Ms Shockney discussed
how having navigators
intervene very early on
in the cancer continuum to establish
survivorship care can affect
treatment, outcomes, and complications,
illustrating her points
with composite care studies.
Ms Kelley described Project Access–New Haven, a volunteer, community-based program that uses a best-practice model to increase access to care for underserved patients and reduce health disparities in New Haven, Connecticut.
The AONN+ Leadership Council served as the judging team for awards for posters presented at the conference.
The 2012 Health Monitor Network Oncology
Nurse Navigator of the
Year Award was presented at
the poster award session by
John P. Stelmachowicz to Michelle Weaver Knowles,
RNC, BCN, of Missoula Montana Community Medical
Center.
This moderated panel discussion included representatives of office-based, academic, and community hospital–based settings.
Ms Sharpe discussed the role of the American
Cancer Society in developing survivorship guidelines
and how efforts of the National Cancer
Survivorship Resource Center address gaps in clinical survivorship
guidelines.
“Patients come first” is the mission of the navigation program set forth by Tricia Strusowski, MS, RN, director of cancer care management at Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware.
When facing one of the most difficult challenges of their lives, many cancer patients and their families also have to deal with overwhelming barriers to care. Having a navigator to identify and remove those barriers can provide patients with the care they need and help to eliminate some of their burden.
A collaborative approach to patient navigation that involves both clinical and community navigators can ensure that the final navigation program reflects the needs of your particular institution, according to Linda Fleisher, PhD, MPH, assistant vice president of Health Communications and Health Disparities at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.