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matter, what biopsy entails and what happens afterward." The nurse navigators at the Women's Imaging Center are Janine Couture, RN, and Karen Johnson, RN. Collaborative Cancer Care Optimal treatment for cancer hinges on meticulously constructed, coordi- nated care plans that typically involve multiple specialists. The atmosphere at Good Samaritan fosters teamwork and patient-centered care. "We provide local, multidisciplinary care for most cancer types," Dr. Zauls says. "Treatment plans are constructed during weekly meetings, where surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and radiation and medical oncologists discuss evidence- based practices and national treatment guidelines for each case." The level of care at Good Samaritan contributed to the facility being the only hospital in Massachusetts to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Commission on Cancer in 2013. The rec- ognition speaks to the Radiation Oncology Center's impressive patient satisfaction scores and progressive treatment capa- bilities, which include hypofractionated radiotherapy, image-guided radiation t herap y a nd i nten sit y-mo du late d radiation therapy. Advantages of Robotically Assisted Surgery Women needing intervention for hyster- ectomy, fallopian tube reconstruction, or fibroid, ovary, cyst or endometriosis removal may be candidates for state-of-the-art surgi- cal technology that requires 1- to 2- inch incisions instead of the large incisions used for open laparotomies. "Robot-assisted laparoscopy enables us to offer to more patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, which include less blood loss and postoperative pain, faster return home, and quicker recovery times," says Soheil Hanjani, MD, FACOG, FACS, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Good Samaritan Medical Center. "Our surgeons routinely use this modality, which means we can offer a less invasive operation for the vast majority of patients who previously would have required large incisions. The robotic surgical platform allows us to perform a better procedure in a quicker and more efficient manner." While performing traditional lapa- roscopy, surgeons utilize straight-stick instrumentation that limits dexterity. The da Vinci robotic technology provides surgeons with multiple points of improve- ment over traditional laparoscopic surgery. "The 3-D cameras provide clear, mag- nified visualization of the surgical field," Dr. Hanjani says. "The platform also eliminates hand tremor and allows surgeons to control the camera by hand instead of requiring an assistant to direct the camera. Using this modality, surgeons can comfort- ably perform more precise surgeries." Boutique Care for Mothers-to-Be When delivering their babies at Good Samaritan, women have access to a com- plete offering of support services in addition to comprehensive care from highly special- ized providers in state-of-the-art facilities. Along with an obstetrics liaison, Linda Burke, RN, BSN, Patient Care Director of Obstetrics at Good Samaritan Medical Center, makes rounds to ensure patients receive the care and support they need, as well as the comforts they want. Such atten- tion to detail has translated into consistently high patient satisfaction scores. While Burke takes special care to meet with patients, everyone involved in the patients' care unites under that common goal. "We're a family," Burke says. "Everyone works together to achieve the same goal, which is to provide optimal outcomes and the best patient experience for mother and child." Keeping patients happy starts well before the day of delivery. The Family Preference Plan used by Good Samaritan allows patients to customize their labor and delivery experience according to their choices for pain control, cutting the umbili- cal cord and skin-to-skin contact with their baby, as well as any cultural, educational or religious needs they might have. "We review the plan when patients come in so we know their preferences without disturbing them when they're in pain or focused on labor," Burke explains. "This communication is essential and allows us to customize care for each patient." Relationship with Boston Children's Physicians A partnership between Good Samaritan Medical Center and Boston Children's Physicians elevates the standard of neo- natology care in several ways. "Our Special Care Nursery is licensed Level II, so we can deliver babies at 34 weeks or greater gestational age," Burke says. "Our relationship with Boston Children's Physicians enables us to provide 24/7/365 neonatology coverage, so if there is malpresentation or breech, the need for Caesarean section, or congenital issues with the baby, there's a neonatologist in- house to treat the baby." Community hospitals don't often offer advanced services like a Level II nursery. For babies who remain in the unit more than one month, receiving treatment close to home is a tremendous advantage for their families. Additionally, the partnership broadens patients' access to highly specialized care. When conditions exceed the capabilities of a Level II center, a dedicated team from Boston Children's Physicians transports the baby to and from St. Elizabeth's or Boston Children's Hospital's Level III facilities. Good Samaritan Medical Center Women's Imaging is licensed and inspected by the Department of Public Health and is accredited by the American College of Radiology. For more information about women's health at Good Samaritan Medical Center, visit www.goodsamaritanmedical.org. ■ Jan Amorello, RN, BSN, OCN, (middle) and Trish McClean, LICSW, (right) meet with a patient at the Radiation Oncology Center. A registered dietitian is also part of the support team. M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Boston | 7