Three of Aptium Oncology's nursing experts presented an educational webinar to over 300 attendees at the VHA 2010 Oncology Educational Series on June 22, 2010. Myra Fouts, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Aptium Oncology, Jeanette Barefoot, Director, Clinical Operations, and Carol Blecher, Advanced Practice Nurse, both of Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center in Elizabeth, NJ, delivered a presentation titled "How High Touch Amenities Can Enhance Patient Centered Care - A Case Study from Aptium Oncology at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center."
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center is a champion of the patient-centered care model, a transformational care delivery system that focuses first and foremost on the needs of the patient. VHA is a national network of not-for-profit healthcare organizations that work together to drive maximum savings in the supply chain arena, set new levels of clinical performance and identify and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes.
"Delivering patient-centered care is at the core of Aptium Oncology and Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center's mission to help patients live longer and better lives. From initial design through implementation and continuous quality improvement, Trinitas strives to be a model for this care delivery system, and an example of Aptium Oncology's commitment to excellence," said Richard Emery, Executive Director of the Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The patient-centered approach focuses on the patient and includes family members as part of the care team. The model helps patients feel more responsible for their own care and treatment planning. "At Trinitas, patient-centered care emphasizes collaboration between the patient and healthcare provider, and is premised on the ease of patient access, convenience and overall well-being," expressed Barefoot.
Topics covered in the presentation included cancer center design; program development; innovative clinical services; improvements in patient safety; practical ideas to enhance cancer center amenities; supportive services such as Social Work, Nutrition, Complementary Therapy, Art Therapy, Animal Assisted Activity, and Genetic Counseling; performance improvement including patient satisfaction; and advice on how to provide high quality care.
Emery concluded, "Being invited by VHA to present on patient-centered care was a tremendous honor and demonstrates both Aptium Oncology and Trinitas Cancer Center's expertise in building and managing leading cancer programs that put patients' needs first."
• • •
About Aptium Oncology
Aptium Oncology, Inc. is the premier solution for hospitals and physician practices seeking to develop or enhance their oncology programs. With more than 25 years of experience in cancer program development, the Los Angeles-based company offers market-leading consulting and management expertise to premier institutions around the country, including NCI-designated programs, academic medical centers and community providers.
About Trinitas Comphrehesive Cancer Center
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center (TCCC) is located in a new 28,000-square-foot, five-story building on the campus of Trinitas Hospital. The Center offers the most advanced technology available to cancer patients. Board-certified physicians, nurses and allied health professionals are passionate in their fight against cancer and their mission to provide excellent patient care. Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center is an affiliate of Aptium Oncology, a Los Angeles-based leader in building, developing and managing comprehensive outpatient cancer centers.