Cancer Care Coordinators are Phoenix's Original 'Nurse Navigators'

Free patient assistance nurses pioneered by Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 'Nurse navigators' were rare when the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare introduced its free Cancer Care Coordinator service to greater Phoenix. Fast forward ten years and the Coordinators have helped thousands of patients navigate the complex world of cancer treatment, and similar services are widely duplicated in hospitals across the U.S.

Cancer Care Coordinators are Masters degree-prepared registered nurses with advanced expertise in oncology, knowledgeable about cancer treatment and the resources available for patients and families. (Learn more about the innovative Cancer Care Coordinators by clicking here.)

A recent Wall Street Journal article reported how this type of service helps patients successfully manage their care, increase participation in cancer screening and adhere to follow-up treatment.

"The concept of a 'nurse navigator' for cancer treatment was introduced to greater Phoenix when the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center opened in 2001. Our Cancer Care Coordinators serve as a single point of contact for cancer patients, offering guidance and education from the time of diagnosis to treatment and follow up at no cost to the patient," said Robbin Lieberman, co-chair of the annual Playing for TIME charity event that helps fund the positions through community philanthropy.

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare established its leadership in personalized medicine as the first Phoenix-area comprehensive cancer center to offer cancer treatment, research, prevention and support services in a single location, working in collaboration with top community oncologists and scientists from leading research institutions including the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). It holds Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

"From the time you're diagnosed, we are available as a dedicated member of your cancer care team and can help facilitate personalized cancer care for you and your family," says Melanie O'Hara, RN, one of three Cancer Care Coordinators at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.

Cancer Care Coordinator services include:

• Information and referrals to physicians, treatment services and support programs.
• Communication with physicians, case managers and others.
• Help with coordinating and scheduling tests.
• Resource materials and education.
• Follow-up and support for patients and family.

The Cancer Care Coordinator can help patients and family members:

• Understand treatment plans.
• Find answers to medical questions about a cancer diagnosis.
• Help coordinate a care plan or access available resources.
• Access resources for cancer treatment, research and support services available through the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare is located on the campus of Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, 10460 N. 92nd St. in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Cancer Care Coordinators at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center can be reached by calling 480-323-1255 or email [email protected]. For questions about participating in cancer research or Phase I clinical trials, call 480-323-1339 or email [email protected].

The annual Playing for TIME charity golf and cards tournaments are  Nov. 7 at Gainey Ranch Golf Club and Nov. 14 at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale. For event, sponsorship or donation information visit www.shc.org/playing4time or call 480-882-4505.

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare in Scottsdale, Ariz. offers comprehensive cancer care and research through Phase I clinical trials, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support services in collaboration with leading scientific researchers and community oncologists. Scottsdale Healthcare is the nonprofit parent organization of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare, Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute, Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center and Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital. For more information, visit www.shc.org.

SOURCE Scottsdale Healthcare