Name: Laurel
Position: Nurse Navigator
Subject: CoC Standard 3.3
Question:
At the 2018 AONN+ Annual Conference, you mentioned standard 3.3 is being reevaluated and we should not put energy into exceeding the 50% criteria. Is the standard being rewritten completely and can you indicate what it might contain? I am presenting highlights to our other navigators and want to convey the general direction of the care plan standard. Thank you for your involvement, and also for a wonderful conference.
Answer:
There are several standards―CoC 3.3 among them―being reevaluated by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) to help ensure fulfillment of the intent of the standard, how realistic it is to perform and collect data about the standard, and the level of success cancer centers have had so far in meeting the standard as currently written. I serve on this workgroup. We have completed our review and turned in our recommendations, which now will be reviewed by a higher leadership group of the CoC. They may decide differently from what we are recommending, so no announcements can be made until they complete their review and also assess the same standard that applies for the breast center accreditation program. At this point, however, it is reasonable to recommend not to expend excess time to exceed 50%. Also, begin developing and documenting additional survivorship care programs you have in place or will be implementing. For example, do you offer an annual educational program for cancer survivors? Is it for all survivors or is it specific for different types of cancer survivors (ie, breast, prostate, melanoma, etc)? Are you implementing cancer survivorship at the time of diagnosis (as you have heard me preach for years)? March is the anticipated time frame for formal announcements. I, too, am anxious for change.
Name: Karen
Position: Nurse Navigator
Subject: Breast Navigation
Question:
How can I partner with a breast center that uses 2 clerical staff to coordinate and call patients? Doctor stated she does not need a “middle man.”
Answer:
It’s time for a sit-down discussion. Explain to the doctor WHAT NAVIGATION IS and how you can help the practice. Right now she doesn’t see you as helping, but instead as slowing her and her staff. So, identify together what responsibilities you can do for her and her patients that will be seen as beneficial.
