Cancer care often involves numerous practitioners across a wide variety of settings–physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic centers, patients’ homes and hospices. As a result, coordination can be difficult.
Academic cancer centers and hospitals are usually part of medical schools or universities and focus heavily on research as well as patient care. They offer a broad range of specialists and clinical trials.
Accredited by the Commission on Cancer
In the United States, most cancer-related ambulatory care for adults is provided in physicians’ offices and outpatient departments. Cancer treatment is highly complex and costly, consuming one out of every twenty health care dollars spent in the nation.
A number of RWJBarnabas health facilities, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, are undergoing a process to become accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). To earn CoC accreditation, cancer programs must meet 34 quality standards. Among these are in-house cancer research, testing and diagnosis capabilities; a centralized governance structure/board and CEO; a multidisciplinary approach to patient care; and commitment to excellence. These cancer programs can be found across New Jersey. To learn more, visit the CoC website.
Experienced in Treating Your Type of Cancer
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s often overwhelming and confusing. A medical specialist who understands your condition can help you make the best decisions about treatment.
Look for an oncologist who specializes in your type of cancer. You also want to find out how many cases that doctor has treated in the past year and over their career.
A specialized oncologist stays up-to-date with the latest standards, guidelines, and research in treating your type of cancer. They also may use targeted therapy that works by blocking chemicals in cancer cells, cryoablation that uses cold to kill cancer cells, or radiofrequency ablation that heats up cancer cells to destroy them.
You should also ask about support services like patient navigators, social workers, and counselors. These people can help you navigate health insurance, disability benefits, and other issues that can arise during your cancer treatment. They can also connect you with other specialists in your area.
Access to a Wide Range of Cutting-Edge Therapies
Unlike most other types of care, cancer care requires a wide range of specialists. Many patients need urologists for prostate cancer, dermatologists for skin cancer, radiologists for radiation therapy, and oncologists to manage chemotherapy or other treatments.
A comprehensive hospital or cancer center can provide all of these specialists in one place. This allows physicians to work together to deliver the best treatment for each patient and provides convenient access to clinical trials.
Many of these centers are also part of medical schools or universities and are known as academic cancer centers. They focus heavily on research, but also offer a wide variety of treatments and a patient-centered approach. Community cancer centers or hospitals are less likely to be affiliated with an academic center and offer fewer specialized services. However, they may offer a more convenient location and be closer to home. Some also participate in clinical trials, but only in a limited capacity. (NCI, 1998a).
Patient-Centered Care
In a patient-centered care model, patients become active partners in their health and wellness journeys. This entails respect for each patient’s values, beliefs, and preferences and clear communication throughout the decision-making process. Involvement in decision making leads to increased compliance with treatment plans and overall outcomes.
It also includes addressing each patient’s emotional needs with sensitivity and empathy. This type of care helps ensure that patients’ friends and family members are included in the decision-making process and that they feel comfortable discussing their medical condition with a trusted healthcare professional. 아산병원근처암요양병원
The cancer care hospital you choose should offer comprehensive and coordinated services. It is important to have access to physicians, diagnostic centers, and hospitals that work together to provide high-quality cancer care. This allows for a more holistic approach to patient care and reduces medical costs by avoiding duplication of tests and procedures. It also reduces patient symptoms and increases patient satisfaction. This is especially important for patients with cancer, who often require multiple doctors and appointments in different locations.