MDNews - Mid Hudson

nutritionists — receive specific training in the collaborative treatment of cancer patients to identify areas where patients might need more resources," Dr. Connery says. "For example, a team member may have more specific training to know a certain physical therapy technique is better suited for a chemotherapy patient. From a personal standpoint, while work- ing recently with a cancer patient who was facing many challenges, we introduced additional resources of emotional and clergy support as well as nutritional sup- port because of our STAR training. It is encouraging to see such a positive impact this early into the program." Cancer Survivorship It is now recognized that survivorship is a distinct phase of cancer care. Health Quest is developing its survivorship program to enhance patient offerings through rehabilitation services, support and education. "The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has recognized the value and is requiring programs to establish true survivorship plans," Dr. Connery says. "It is one thing to cure a patient's cancer, but we need to continue with regular screen- ings and provide guidance as to what to expect and do for a healthier lifestyle. Sonya Alyea, NP, conducts advanced assessments of patients with different cancer diagnoses to develop a program more attuned to their needs and involve their primary care physi- cians as a complement of care." Tracking Outcomes Following patient outcomes through participation in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database, care proto- cols are designed to allow Health Quest to meet or exceed benchmarks set at the nation's top centers, while enriching the patient experience from screening and prevention to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. "Outcomes are the most important, and as we evaluate our quality measures, we always add an element of compassion," Dr. Connery says. "We look after our patients as we would take care of our own families. We provide a high level of care and are frank with patients when necessary as to what we can achieve. We provide the resources to enable them to make informed decisions. A patient's world stops with a cancer diagnosis; how- ever, we have an expert team to tailor a plan to fit the patient's needs and provide the highest quality of life possible." Health Quest's Thoracic Oncology team places importance on scheduling to expedite appointments and test results, speeding the initiation of cancer treatments. "We work with referring physicians within the community and beyond, regardless of the geographic area, to treat patients and maintain a high level of communication, which can measurably improve outcomes," Dr. Connery adds. "We create plans together with patients, and it is amazing how strong and how grateful cancer patients are to maximize their good days and plan for more good days ahead." For more information on Health Quest's comprehensive thoracic oncology program and advanced lung cancer screenings, visit healthquest.org/cancer. ■ ADVANCED TREATMENT FOR COMPLEX THORACIC CONDITIONS HEALTH QUEST'S THOR ACIC ONCOLOGY team provides a complete continuum of care from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and survivorship for complex conditions, including: + Lung cancer + Esophageal cancer + Mediastinal tumors and cysts + Thymomas + Myasthenia gravis + Enlarged lymph nodes + Pleural effusions + Pulmonary fibrosis + Complex chest infections + Hyperhidrosis "We know when using the strictest criteria for screening that we are not able to diagnose all patients who may have lung cancer. We have to participate in research to better define a patient's risk categories, including genetics and family history, to determine a more appropriate definition of which patients should undergo screening." — Cliff P. Connery, MD, FACS, Medical Director for the Dyson Center for Cancer Care at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Medical Practice Director for Health Quest's Division of Thoracic Oncology COV ER FE AT UR E 1 0 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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