Articles & White Papers

Medical Homes

Pick up an oncology journal, attend national meetings…one will hear the term medical home. No, it is not a physical place for medical staff to retire and enjoy the golden years. It is a model of care that is “valued based”. Payers, insurance companies, are sending the message to the oncology world that the high cost of cancer care must be addressed.

2012 Summer Reading

As summer approaches with plans for vacations, long weekends or quieter evenings, it is interesting to see and hear what colleagues have on their “to read” list.

GYN Navigator

I have asked Robin Atkinson to share about her GYN Navigation position and how it evolved from an idea to a full-time position. Her story reflects an idea that was taken to a cancer program by a champion who had a plan for this vision.

Liquids – Good or Bad for You?

I cherish the Saturday morning breakfasts with my daughter and am fortunate to have other lively family members join us. A recent meal had us discussing “liquids if the gods.” It all started as a joke around the coffee the females thought they needed each morning.

Keep Moving It

It is exciting to see survivorship come to the forefront of cancer care. It is not possible to compartmentalize survivorship care as the part of treatment that occurs after chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Navigators recognize how survivorship weaves in throughout the treatment phase.

Hot Topic for the Time of the Year

The presentation from the American Institute for Cancer Research (2012), “New Research Shows Cancer Risks of Sedentary Lifestyle,” is astounding – the longer you sit, the higher the risk for developing cancer! Yes, it is advantageous to have a lower body weight and to exercise regularly, but are we tuned in to the length of our daily sitting time?

Definitions of Navigation

How many metaphors can be used to describe a navigator’s job? It was interesting and visionary to hear all the descriptions given at the 2011 Navigation and Survivorship Conference.

Interesting Reading

How many evenings do you read articles or news related to work? It is a hazard of the job unless there is time built in at work….I know….I was just dreaming! In reality, reading about your specialty or oncology advances is a professional commitment to stay abreast of the latest for your patients. It is amazing what has transpired over the past 10 years in oncology—just look at all the news on multiple myeloma and melanoma.

Where Is the Patient’s Voice?

It is interesting to read or see opposing views on an issue in medical care. Healthcare professionals do a wonderful job on quoting facts and research findings. What is normally missing is the voice of the patient.

Disparities in the News Again

Disparities in cancer are a core job activity that navigators encounter and work against on a daily basis. A recent news release on the disparity between recommendations and practice for breast and ovarian genetic testing was disheartening.