MUHC Breast Cancer Navigation Kit
An Innovative Patient Resource
Finding out that you have breast cancer can take your breath
away. But understanding what breast cancer is, and knowing what to
expect, may give patients a greater sense of control. Its
commitment to offer clear information and emotional support
prompted the ۲ݮƵ University Health Centre (MUHC) to develop an
innovative patient resource to help patients and their families
cope with breast cancer.
The MUHC Breast Cancer Navigation Kit was born out of a need for a
more convenient, consolidated and comprehensive resource for
patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer. “After being
diagnosed, I was handed a lot of information,” explains Melanie
Maguire, a patient representative on the project committee. “It
felt like it was my responsibility to review this information - to
organize it, digest it and ‘figure it all out’ while going to
endless tests and medical appointments. This created additional
pressure and stress at a time when I needed to reduce anxiety as
much as possible.”
Initiated by a breast cancer patient, the project was taken up by a
committee of individuals lead by Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, Associate
Professor of Surgery and Oncology and Director of the Cedars Breast
Centre of the MUHC. Committee members included representatives from
nursing, medicine, social services, patient groups and The Centre
for Literacy of Quebec. “By encouraging collaboration from a broad
spectrum of committee members, we were better positioned to meet
all of our patients’ needs,” explains Andréanne Saucier, Associate
Director of Nursing for Cancer Care. “This was a true team
effort.”
The MUHC Navigation Kit has four sections, each designed to deal
with a different part of the patient’s journey. The first section,
About Breast Cancer, explains what breast cancer is, how it is
diagnosed, and how it is treated. Section two, Body-Mind-Spirit, is
about how to cope with the stresses of cancer and the importance of
maintaining one’s physical and mental wellbeing. The third section,
After Treatment Ends, discusses the medical follow-ups the patient
will need, and how to manage a return to regular activities.
Section four, Practical Information, provides useful information
about how to navigate the hospital (and its parking lots) and how
to get the best out of the many support services offered to
patients and their family by the MUHC.
Patients are encouraged to bring the Navigation Kit to each
appointment and to share sections with their family and friends.
The Navigation Kit also includes a glossary with words that
patients will often hear during their treatment and an alphabetical
index that can help patients find specific topics such as
“Chemotherapy.”
“It’s these small details that truly make this kit unique – and
ultimately, make a difference in a patient’s experience,” explains
Dr. Meterissian. “The MUHC Breast Cancer Navigation Kit will help
patients navigate the complex path from diagnosis to treatment to
follow up, while reducing the “information overload” so common
among patients newly diagnosed with cancer.” A similar kit is
already in development for patients with prostate cancer.
The development, implementation and sustainment of this project
were in large part due to unrestricted grants from Hoffmann-La
Roche, La Banque Nationale Groupe Financier, and the Quebec Breast
Cancer Foundation. The project’s success is also thanks to the
volunteers and committee involved in organizing the annual Jump for
Hope fundraising event – with proceeds going directly to the
development and sustainment of the initiative.
The Navigation Kit will be revealed for the first time this
Tuesday, October 21st at the Cedars CanSupport* “News You Can Use
about Breast Cancer” event. The event is open to the general public
and is designed to provide important information for breast cancer
patients, their families and friends, and health care
professionals.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30
p.m.
1650 Cedar Avenue, Livingston Hall, room L6 500, 6th floor
Free admission and free parking at the hospital
*Cedars CanSupport is a resource and support program for cancer
patients and their families at the MUHC.
The ۲ݮƵ University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive
academic health institution with an international reputation for
excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner
hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal
General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal
Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine
Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on
the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to
contribute to the development of new knowledge.