The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) recognizes the value of listening to our membership to learn how we can better serve you. As such, our marching orders for 2017 came directly from our members—grow and enhance our programs, services, and the Academy itself.
Since our last communication in July, we’re proud to announce that we’ve successfully met many of the goals set by our members and leaders. These accomplishments are wide-ranging and bring tremendous value to our navigators and the profession.
Our most recent achievements include:
- New Partnerships
- Multisite Navigation Metrics Quality Study
- Navigator Networks
- Annual Navigation & Survivorship Conference
AONN+ has long recognized the value of strategic partnership in the advancement of its mission and the navigation profession. In 2017, we proudly partnered with the American Cancer Society, Midwest Cancer Alliance, and Sarah Cannon. These synergistic alliances will provide us with the resources we need to realize some of our strategic goals. In turn, we will provide navigators from these partner organizations with access to valuable professional development opportunities.
The identification of 35 navigation metrics by AONN+’s Evidence into Practice Committee in 2016 opened the gates for new and exciting research opportunities. One such example is the phase 2 Navigation Metrics Quality Study, which was announced at the end of 2017. In collaboration with Oncology Solutions, the AONN+ Standardized Metrics Task Force has developed a cloud-based business intelligence product for data capture, management, and reporting of navigation metrics. The study aim is to validate the Standardized Evidence-Based Oncology Navigation Metrics. This quality study is a vital, transforming event in the industry, with the desired outcome of validating oncology navigation by demonstrating its impact on quality cancer care delivery, ROI, PE, and program sustainability.
AONN+ added to its lists of “firsts” this year with the launch of an international Local Navigator Network in Nigeria. This exciting addition helps ensure that our message is being heard both locally and globally. Additionally, we welcomed a virtual network—hosted by the Veterans Health Administration—and 4 new networks in Virginia, Colorado, Western Montana, and Alabama. This brings our total Navigator Networks to 19. Are you interested in finding or launching a Navigator Network in your region? Let us know!
In November, AONN+ welcomed more than 1,000 nurse and patient navigators to its Eighth Annual Navigation & Survivorship Conference in Orlando. Over the course of 4 days, attendees took part in presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions covering a range of topics, including navigation metrics, CoC standards and best practices, and immunotherapy. World-class gymnast and ovarian cancer survivor Shannon Miller wowed as this year’s guest speaker, sharing her story of resilience in the face of adversity and illness.
Attendees also met this year’s Hero of Hope® Patient Award recipient Melissa Marshall of Atlantic City, and the 2017 Oncology Nursing Excellence™ Award winner Laura Mulderrig, BSN, RN, OCN, a nurse in the clinical research unit at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Other highlights included a Town Hall Session with AONN+ leadership and a special appearance by the Evidence into Practice Super Heroes! Check out the photo gallery and relive the fun!
Weren’t able to make this year’s Navigation & Survivorship Conference? Keep up with the latest trends and information in navigation through the AONN+ 2017 Virtual Conference. Even better, you can earn 10 CEU hours in the process!
Looking to 2018, we have some ambitious plans that will keep us on our toes and on the move in the months ahead. Some of these exciting initiatives include:
- New Committees and Opportunities
- Policy & Advocacy Committee
(led by Elizabeth Franklin, LGSW, ACSW) - Clinical Trials Committee
(led by Lavinia Dobrea, RN, MS, OCN, and Lucy Gansauer, MSN, RN, OCN, CCRP) - Conference Planning Committee
(led by Penny Daugherty, RN, MS, OCN, ONN-CG, and Peg Rummel, RN, MHA, OCN, NE-BC) - JONS Website Redesign
- 2018 Midyear Conference
- Ninth Annual Navigation & Survivorship Conference
In an effort to advance our mission and give members more opportunities to get involved, AONN+ is adding 3 new committees this year:
For the first time, AONN+ invited interested members to sign up to participate in any of its established or new committees. The window of committee applications remains open until January 31, 2018, and applicants will receive notification by the first week of February via e-mail.
To better meet our members’ needs and improve the user experience for all our visitors, AONN+ will unveil a fresh new Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship (JONS) website later this year. Don’t worry, you’ll still have access to all the great content that you’ve come to rely on!
Mark your calendar and plan to join us May 4-6 in Beantown (aka Boston) for our 2018 Midyear Conference. Some of the topics that we’ll address during this more intimate event include the evolving challenges of program improvement, the role of personalized medicine, and implementing best practices in navigation, survivorship, and psychosocial care. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss. Register today!
We know that November is months away, but it’s never too soon to start planning for the next AONN+ Annual Conference! This year, we’ll be heading to Dallas for a little Southern hospitality and a whole lot of fun. Plan to join us November 15-18.
As always, AONN+ is proud to serve the needs of our growing navigation community, and we look forward to all that 2018 has in store for us. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues and friends who may be interested in learning more about AONN+ and its services.
Best regards,
Your AONN+ Team
