Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/460144
A CANCER DIAGNOSIS IS never easy. But two new programs from Wesley Medical Center are helping diagnose cancer earlier — when it is more effectively treated — and providing resources for physicians and patients alike to help navigate through treatment, recovery and survivorship. Looking for lung cancer — every patient, every time. Wesley Medical Center has introduced a new Lung Nodule Program that identifies and follows patients with incidental lung findings in non-oncology-related imaging studies. The program detects potential lung problems earlier, diagnoses lung cancer at an earlier stage and ultimately saves lives. How Does the Lung Nodule Program Work? When patients undergo scheduled, emergency or incidental CT scans for any reason at any facility across the Wesley family of campuses, a sophisticated program reviews those scans and looks for potential lung cancer signs. Any lung nodule or suspicious finding is referred to Wesley's new oncology nurse navigator, who will then contact the patient's primary care physician to discuss the finding and follow up at a later date. The nurse navigator can also assist with tracking the patient's subsequent care and help coordinate care per the direction of the physician. How Is the Follow-up Care Plan Managed? Care plans are directed by the patient's physician, and the Wesley nurse navigator helps facilitate the plan. The nurse navigator will notify the patient's physician of all findings and follow-ups, facilitate any needed orders, and document all communications. What Imaging Facilities Are Participating in the Lung Nodule Program? All scheduled or incidental CT scans at Wesley Medical Center or Galichia Heart Hospital will automatically receive the additional level of review provided by this program. ■ Helping You Care for Your PROVIDING A NE W RESOU RCE FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND PHYSICIANS STACY BORDERS, RN, has joined Wesley as its new oncology nurse navigator, providing free assistance to cancer patients before, during and after hospitalization. Stacy's role also extends to referring physicians, though, ensuring effective communication among all caregivers, facilities and individuals. HOW DOES AN ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATOR HELP? While Stacy can assist any patient, those with special circumstances or challenges — such as patients with limited knowledge of the healthcare system, no support system, child care responsibilities, transportation or financial concerns, emotional and mental health challenges, language barriers, and certain cultural beliefs — may gain greater benefits. Stacy can: + Coordinate services throughout the continuum of care + Coordinate healthcare appointments and assist with appointment preparation + Connect patients and families to resources and support services + Inform patients and families about procedures and treatment plans in easy-to-understand terms + Facilitate communication among care providers WHAT IS STACY'S BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE? Stacy has spent the past seven years working as a registered nurse in Wesley's pediatrics department, where her emphasis was on pediatric oncology patients. While she has a wide range of experience, including inpatient oncology, hospice, home health and medical-surgical, pediatric oncology is her passion. WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM NURSE NAVIGATOR SERVICES? + Newly diagnosed lung and pediatric cancer patients + Current cancer patients undergoing treatments, as well as patients in remission + Family and support teams of cancer patients + Primary care providers of patients diagnosed with cancer + Community organizations providing support resources for cancer patients To refer a patient or obtain more information, call Stacy Borders at 316-962-2007 or email stacy.borders@wesleymc.com. PHOTO © WESLEY MEDICAL CENTER Stacy Borders, RN, Wesley's new oncology nurse navigator Stacy Borders, RN, Wesley's new Cancer Patients EXPANDED RESOURCES Wesley Medical Center's oncology program is increasing services to Kansas physicians with a new lung nodule program and an oncology nurse navigator. SPECI A L FE AT UR E M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 9