Creating an Easier Path for Patients With Head/Neck Cancer

Recently, an article was published in the Leader about my work with patients with head or neck cancer. The response has been great, with the most-asked question being about the pathway I created to help patients and caregivers navigate through and receive improved access to care. How did I create this pathway? The first thing I did was listen to patients and caregivers discuss what they wished they knew before treatment started. After years of listening, I realized something had to change for them. From this realization came the idea of designing a pathway so all treating partners—as well as patients and caregivers—understood the process, what to expect and how to prepare for next steps. After deciding to create this process pathway and getting it approved by the hospital cancer board and then general board, I contacted all treating partners. Everyone on the diagnosing and treating team for head or neck cancer patients received instructions on the pathway organization and what we as hospital staff would provide patients and caregivers. This way, every member of the treatment team knows what patients are expecting, can address any questions, and make sure all steps in the pathway are followed. So, how does the pathway work? First, the otolaryngologist (ENT) makes the diagnosis of head/neck cancer. At that point they make the following referrals: Medical oncology Radiation oncology Gastrointestinal specialist for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement bef...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Health Care Slider Speech-Language Pathology Dysphagia Source Type: blogs