Patients And Families Make Their Voices Heard At Moffitt

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 16 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT


Kim Buettner faced breast cancer along with the chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries that came along with it. After her last operation, she decided she wanted to make a difference for other patients coming to Moffitt Cancer Center for the first time. She joined Moffitt's patient and family advisory council. It's a partnership at the clinical and organizational levels to improve patient outcomes and experiences, as well as improve health care quality and safety.

"I understand what it's like to go through cancer. So I wanted to give something back," said Buettner, co-chair of the council. It's not just about creating programs, but keeping the patients in mind makes a huge difference,"

Moffitt is the second Comprehensive Cancer Center in the country to have a formal patient and family advisory council. As hospitals strive to continually improve the patient experience, they are collaborating with patients and their loved ones in the planning, evaluation and delivery of care. In addition to working side by side with clinicians and administrators in the patient and family advisory council, the patient and family advisors are also integrated into committees throughout the organization. Having the patient and family perspective included in decisions enhances Moffitt's ability to provide quality care and services.

Examples of the council's accomplishments include:

*Patient and family advisors have participated in the design of new patient care areas.

*Advisors have worked on process improvement teams aimed at shortening wait times for patients having tests and treatment.

*Patient and family advisors have worked with 4th year medical students in helping them learn how to convey difficult news.

*The valet service extended its hours to accommodate patients with late evening appointments for chemotherapy treatments.

"At the clinical level, we are encouraging patients to be active participants in their care and in making decisions about their treatment plans," said Nancy Newman, director of patient support services. "Through the advisors' work on committees and the council, we are bringing the patient and family perspective to the table for optimal planning and decision-making at all levels of the health care system."

Advisors will give their input into the design of clinical trials, helping to identify barriers to patients entering and staying on these trials. Through partnership, patients and family members are helping Moffitt to improve the patient experience, as well as meet its mission and strategic initiatives.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer and ear, nose and throat. Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

http://www.moffitt.org

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