Patti Hull, Nurse Navigator for the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program, is a constant support for patients across our region who are undergoing tests for potential lung cancer.
Patti Hull, Nurse Navigator for the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program, is a constant support for patients across our region who are undergoing tests for potential lung cancer.
Credit
Matthew Manor

For patients suspected of having cancer, the stress and confusion can quickly pile up. To help during this time, Cancer Care Ontario has been rolling out Diagnostic Assessment Programs (DAPs) across the province. DAPs are designed to help patients through their diagnostic journey, from the time cancer is suspected, to a diagnosis, or when cancer is ruled out. The goal of each DAP is to enhance the coordination of care and improve the patient experience.

The South East Regional Cancer Program (SERCP) has implemented both lung and colorectal DAPs that provide patients and families with a central referral and access system, co-ordination of care and diagnostic services, and access to multidisciplinary expertise.

"DAPs enhance coordination of care by following the patient from a referral through to a definitive diagnosis," says Julia Niblett, SERCP Regional Director. "It allows us to ensure patient-centered care, decrease wait times, and, most importantly, improve the patient's experience.

Nurse Navigators play an important role within the DAP, connecting patients and specialists, and offering education, resources and support for patients and families. Once patients are referred to the corresponding DAP by their Primary Care Provider, the Nurse Navigator triages the referral, contacts the patient, facilitates consultations, coordinates access to diagnostic appointments and services and advocates for the patients and their families.

Patti Hull is the Nurse Navigator for the Regional Lung DAP, based at Kingston General Hospital. She says a big part of her job is being a supportive voice at the other end of the phone.

"After a patient is referred to us, I assess all of their physical, psycho-social, educational and practical needs," says Patti. "Then patients are encouraged to call back with any questions and concerns. They often let me know they appreciate that I am here to support them."

The SERCP has now also launched the DAP-Electronic Pathway Solution (DAP-EPS), a secure interactive website with portals for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients who register on the website can view appointments, review the diagnostic pathway, know who is on their care team and have access to support tools, including a medical encyclopedia, journals and healthy living tips. Patients can invite friends and family to use the website and follow along with their progress. And soon they will also be able to review their test results. Health care providers will have access to their patient's appointments, test results and other information that will allow them to monitor their patient's progress.

"The DAP-EPS empowers patients and their families by keeping them informed about all aspects of the diagnostic journey," says Niblett. "It also helps the healthcare system by improving communication between multiple providers and multidisciplinary teams."

The goal now will be to keep building on what the DAPs can do, particularly by enhancing their online functionality.

If you would like to know more about our DAP programs, visit www.cancercare.on.ca.