ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: An oncology nutrition referral priority rating system (NRPRS) was developed and evaluated as a tool to classify patients into nutrition risk categories and allocate reasonable wait times. METHODS: A retrospective chart audit (n=112), patient focus groups (n=14), and a prospective chart audit (n=179) were conducted to refine the tool. Using the NRPRS, the dietitians assigned a priority rating from the information on the referral and then compared it with a second rating after the first visit. Education to referring staff was provided to improve the completeness of referrals. RESULTS: Patients rated at highest nutrition risk (priorities 1 and 2 [P1 and P2]) had a rating similar to the dietitian's after the first visit (P1, 97%; P2, 84%). Incomplete referrals were assigned a P3 rating. This may explain the discrepancy in ratings for P3 referrals (64%). After education, essential information on the referral form increased by 26%. CONCLUSIONS: The NRPRS is an effective tool for prioritizing high-risk patients when referrals are completed fully. The next step is to validate the NRPRS now that computerized order entry is implemented in the cancer clinic.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/physiopathology , Nutritional Status , Referral and Consultation , Focus Groups , Humans , Nutrition Disorders/etiology , Nutrition Disorders/prevention & control , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital , Prospective Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
On their first visit to the Regional Cancer Program, all patients are provided with the "Information for Patients and Families" binder that was designed by an interdisciplinary cancer patient education team. Patients were asked to complete a survey to evaluate the usefulness of this binder. Timely delivery of the "Information for Patients and Families" binder validates a higher level of satisfaction with oncology services because patients are better informed and this translates into a reduction of psychosocial problems. As a result of this study, a decision was made to provide the binder earlier in the patient's journey (e.g., post surgery for thoracic and brain tumor patients).
Subject(s)
Health Education/methods , Neoplasms , Patient Satisfaction , Consumer Health Information/methods , Humans , Patient Education as Topic/methodsABSTRACT
In an effort to heighten the awareness of the high school population, a support group program for young people whose parents were diagnosed with cancer received funding to produce an educational video titled Hear How I Feel. This article reports on the evaluation of the video by 146 high school teachers, guidance counselors, and students; elementary school teachers; university undergraduate social work students; and health care and social service providers. A qualitative analysis of the evaluations indicated that high school teachers and guidance counselors were reluctant to use the video in the high school setting because they could not respond expertly to emotions that might be elicited. The findings suggest that youths desire a forum in which difficult issues can be addressed, teachers and guidance counselors need training that would enhance their skill in responding to students' emotional responses, and cancer patients and their families have psychosocial needs that must be met.
