Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Quality Improvement Project To Improve Patients' Satisfaction Of Care With Implementation Of A Standardized Telephone Communications Pathway, Brandie Haga, Nicole Dunford, Karen Lasater

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

With more and more cancer care being delivered to patients in an outpatient setting, it is becoming essential for clinics to have a standardized telephone communication pathway system. A telephone communication pathway can positively impact patients' quality of life since we know that delaying medical care can negatively impact health, creating otherwise avoidable complications and stress and diminishing patients' confidence in their care. Without a well-developed telephone communication pathway system, symptom management and experience suffer, and the quality of patient care decreases. A strategy was formulated to assess patient satisfaction with a newly implemented standardized telephone communication pathway form using …

Implementation Of A Home-Based Walking Program To Address Cancer-Related Fatigue, Mary Catherine Hyatt, Karen Lasater, Michelle Payne

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Abstract

Background: The non-treatment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult oncology patients on treatment is a clinical practice issue identified globally and at the local Hematology and Oncology Clinic. Despite the growing evidence supporting physical activity to address CRF, this problem remains prominent. Objective: An 8-week home-based walking program was implemented at the local clinic to address this problem. This project aimed to increase the prevalence of managing CRF and reduce the severity of CRF. Methods: With the provider's recommendation, adult oncology patients on active treatment at the Hematology and Oncology Clinic registered for the program in …

Cancer Risk Assessment: Implementation Of A Standardized Tool To Identify Women At Risk For Hereditary Cancer Syndrome, Gillian Harris, Karen Lasater

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Background

Though literature identifies improved patient survivability with use of cancer genetic testing (CGT), routine use of risk assessment and referral to genetic services by oncologists remains low.

Objectives

To increase the number of patients identified as being at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) and the number of patients sent for genetic counseling in a gynecologic/oncology office.

Methods

Ambry Genetics’ “AVA” (Ambry’s Virtual Assistant) screening tool was implemented and sent to all new patients visiting the office for any reason to assess their risk for HCS. Pre- and post-implementation rates of risk identification and referral to genetic services were …

Improving Patient Health Literacy: Implementation Of Health Literacy Tool & Hematology Oncology Patient Education Checklist, Ala'a Samih Mitoubsi

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Purpose: Increase health literacy and communication using a tool with a discharge checklist to facilitate communication and understanding among patients, physicians, and nursing staff.

Background and significance: In the United States, 90 million people are affected by low health literacy impairing their ability to understand and comprehend health information (Institute of Medicine et al., 2004). Another 40 million Americans have difficulty reading complex texts that makes reading health information difficult (Institute of Medicine et al., 2004). The Affordable Care Act emphasizes the need for increased self-care as a key strategy for improving health care costs and improving the quality …