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Nursing navigators spend up to 50% of their time identifying cancer patients. Manual identification of cancer patients in an EMR system is time consuming and not standardized.

A positive impact is seen in the timeliness to treatment for cancer patients presented at a thoracic multidisciplinary conference.

The creation of a defined navigation model, clear navigation metrics, and proof of navigation return on investment (ROI) are essential for “continued development and success of oncology navigation programs.

As our cancer program evolves with multidisciplinary care, leadership approved adding 2 specialty multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs), hepatobiliary (GI) and skin and soft tissue (SST) to existing breast, thoracic, and prostate MDCs.

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to increase nurse knowledge and awareness of the consequences of hyperglycemia in cancer patients, thereby increasing their capability to effectively intervene.

Cancer centers have focused on optimizing seamless multidisciplinary care at tumor boards and/or clinics, but little has been published on effective ways to involve supportive services in the management of cancer patients.

Oncology navigation has developed over the past several years into a necessary and critical component of cancer care as exemplified by the data available. As a result, cancer centers have assessed the prospect of becoming more efficient in the care provided to cancer patients.

The study was conducted by the nurse navigator at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, a member of the oncology service-line for HCA. Nurse navigators are exposed to many processes in the cancer care system and recognize when systems are not at optimal functioning.

Our practice identified the need for a process improvement (PI) when lack of consistent practice and documentation was found leading to inefficiencies and potential patient misses.

Approximately 42% of breast cancer survivors develop clinically detectable lymphedema within 5 years of treatment. Early intervention and education is crucial to decrease long-term morbidity and improve patient outcomes.