2016/2017 Annual Report Personalized Cancer Care, Close to ... · vide, being part of a team that...

The Cancer Instituteat St. Francis HospitalCatholic Health Services

The Cancer Instituteat St. Francis HospitalCatholic Health Services

Personalized Cancer Care, Close to Home

2016/2017 Annual Report

The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital 2016/2017 Annual Report

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3 Message from Chief Administrative Officer

4 Committee Chair Report

5 Meet the Team

6 Destination Center

8 Radio Oncology

10 Cardio Oncology

12 Immunotherapy

14 Surgical Oncology

16 Improved Outcomes

18 Community of Care Givers

20 World Class Care

24 Community Services

26 Partners in Complimentary Care

28 Celebrating Life

30 Healing Through Expression

32 Care for Mind and Spirit

34 2016 Accomplishments

38 2017 Accomplishments

46 Cancer Registry Activity

47 Cancer Commitee

CONT

ENTS


St Francis Hospital, The Heart Center®

A MESSAGE FROM THEEVP & CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERThe Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital is quickly evolving into the go-to center of excellence for cancer care on Long Island. Our all-inclusive cancer institute places all the related oncological disci-plines under one roof – inclusive of medical oncology, surgical oncology, infusion therapy, and now radiation oncology. Our patients benefit by having their entire medical team working collaboratively to tailor a medical strategy suited to each individual’s needs. Our support services assist patients in their can cer journey each step of the way, from our dedicated oncology social workers, nurse naviga-tors, dieticians, to our pastoral care chaplains, a hallmark of St. Francis Hospital. Led by distinguished oncologist Bhoomi Mehrotra, M.D., several of our exceptional physicians have been named on Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Doctors” and New York magazine’s “Best Doctors” annual listings. Our oncology-certified nurses are also recognized for excellence in the care they pro-vide, being part of a team that has earned Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credential-ing Center (ANCC). Magnet® designation is an honor achieved by only seven percent of hospitals in the United States. The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) awarded The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital three years of full accredita tion as a comprehen-sive cancer center - the highest recognition the commission can award a new program. Our cancer institute also benefits in being an outgrowth of St. France Hospital, the Heart Center® as seen in last year’s launch of our cardio-oncology program to study cancer treatment’s potential ef-fect on the heart. This program tracks patients who are beginning chemotherapy, helping us to moni-tor, treat, and possibly reverse, any treatment-related heart disorders before they become life-threat-ening. This past year, St. Francis Radiation Oncology moved from its Garden City location to our East Hills campus, bringing all Cancer Institute resources under one roof. Our Radiation Oncology team is now joined by distinguished radiologist Alan Katz, M.D., a highly recognized physician who pioneered the use of radiosurgery for prostate cancer. Learning you have cancer can be devastating, both to the patient diagnosed and to his or her loved ones. At The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital we work at the highest level to replace fear with confidence, providing the same high level of care our hospital is long known for in the area of cardio-vascular treatment and recovery. My great thanks to Bhoomi Mehrotra, M.D., Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, as well as our outstanding team of physicians, nurses, administrators, chaplains, staff, and volunteers, for their commitment to our mission. I would also like to personally acknowledge Alan D. Guerci, M.D., CHS President & CEO, for his leadership of Catholic Health Services of Long Island. Finally, I would like to thank our Bishop, the Most Reverend John Barres, for his spiritual leadership of Catholic health care on Long Island.

Ruth E. Hennessey Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

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FROM BHOOMI MEHROTRA, M.D.Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis HospitalDirector of Oncology, St. Francis Hospital COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report of our Cancer Institute. This past year has marked several seminal events in our journey forward. We received the highest award for a new program with the accreditation of our Cancer Institute by the Com-mission on Cancer. Our oncology nurses, who were part of the Magnet team, achieved a full 100% certification in their specialty. In addition, our multidisciplinary programs in malignant hematology, thoracic oncology, gastro-intestinal oncology, neuro-oncology, breast cancer, gynecological oncology and other solid tumors have matured and several of them now offer continuing medical education credits for our staff and community healthcare professionals. We expanded access for our patients to receive multi-disciplinary treatments by welcoming our new Division of Radiation Oncology and look with excitement for their new center to open within our Cancer Institute facilities at 2200 Northern Boulevard in 2017. Our supportive services including oncology pharmacy, pathology and laboratory services, imaging services, nutrition counseling, socialworker support, clinical navigation, genetic counseling, pastoral care, psychological support programs, screening programs, and survivorship and palliative care services, have continued to expand to meet the needs to those who have placed their care in our hands. Our services and leadership in community activities have been recognized by many organizations including the American Cancer Society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that 11.5% (1 in 9) of all adults in the US have been diagnosed with heart disease and 8.5% (1 in 12) of all adults have been diagnosed with cancer. In addition, as we age, the incidence of cancer and heart dis-ease rises and they often co-exist. To face the challenges of our aging population, particularly for those who have co-existent heart disease and cancer, our Cancer Institute, in collaboration with our nationally recognized Cardiology program, has initiated a Cardio-Oncology clinical and research program to evaluate the effects of cancer therapies on the heart and to make every effort to prevent and manage the two illnesses simultaneously. With the advent of novel biological and immunotherapies in the fight against cancer, we will expand the applicability and promise of newer treatments to those with real life co-existent medical problems such as heart disease. Our ability to help navigate the journey of those diagnosed with cancer would not have been possible without the selfless dedication of our staff at all levels, the unwavering support of our administrative leadership and the exemplary generosity of our benefactors. I consider it a privi-lege to be part of a team that truly ‘puts its Heart in Cancer Care’ and it is my honor to share our Annual Report with you.

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When people need life-saving care, specialists at the Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital

deliver the best outcomes and change lives for the better. They diagnose and treat cancer as a

team. Together, our goal is to transform the care experience of every cancer patient we treat.

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Every day the Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital is creating a better patient expe-

rience. With a commitment to service, we are driven to continuous improvement and

to the highest degree of excellence. Our goal is to bring the best quality care to our

communities, so patients can receive the care they need as close to home as possible.

Our remarkable work since our founding has earned recognition. We received the

highest award for a new program with the accreditation of the Cancer Institute by the

Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

A hallmark of excellence, accreditation is awarded to cancer care programs that

have made a commitment to providing high quality, comprehensive patient-centered

care.

“We are proud of our achievements, and remain vigilant in working to provide ex-

ceptional care to our community,” says Dilip Patel, M.D., Director, Malignant Hema-

tology. “A treatment plan and a multidisciplinary team approach are all part of how

we deliver innovative therapies to treat this complex disease.”

An essential component of our coordinated care is the meeting of tumor boards,

comprised of specialists from all disciplines, along with critical ancillary support ser-

vices, who collaboratively determine the best treatment plan.

Through early detection, state-of-the-art screenings, accurate diagnosis, multidis-

ciplinary treatments and access to research, clinical trials and support groups -

we are continually raising the bar on the quality of care for our patients.

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“We are proud of our achievements, and remain vigilant in working to provide exceptional care to our community.”


The complete coordination and communication of care under one roof is now pos-

sible with the addition of the Radiation Oncology center joining the Cancer Institute

facilities at 2200 Northern Boulevard.

“Being able to easily communicate with oncologists located just down the hall

improves the continuity of care and is extremely beneficial to patients,” says Anne

Vinokur, M.D., a board certified radiation oncologist.

At St. Francis, our radiation oncology services combine leading-edge techniques

with the expertise and compassion of the clinical staff. Being centered in one

common facility, radiation oncologists can easily confer with medical oncologists,

surgeons, imaging technicians, all to determine the most appropriate care.

The new radiation oncology facility offers state-of-the-art equipment that includes

the latest therapies in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radio-

therapy (SBRT), a non-surgical radiation therapy that treats tumors aggressively and

shortens treatment time.

“The Linear Accelerator delivers high doses of radiation to specific sites with ex-

treme precision so that often fewer treatments are needed,” explains Jay Bosworth,

M.D., F.A.C.R., Director of Radiation Oncology. “We’re seeing excellent results in the

treatment of small lesions in the brain to complex tumors in the liver, pancreas and

lung.”

St. Francis has one of the few Radiation Oncology programs to hold the prestigious

recognition of the American College of Radiology accreditation, recognizing the high-

est level of patient safety and quality services.

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NOW UNDER ONE ROOF

“Being able to easily communicate with oncologists located just downthe hall improves the continuity ofcare and is extremely beneficial to patients.”


Developments in the detection and treatment of cancer has dramatically improved survival for

patients over the past few decades. However, these aggressive therapies can also cause damage

to other parts of the body, including the heart.

St. Francis’ Cardio-Oncology program, one of only a handful of such programs in New York

State, brings together specialists in both cardiology and oncology to provide specialized cardiac

care for cancer patients.

“As a heart institution with a thriving, successful Cancer Institute, we are well positioned to

provide the best cardiac care to cancer patients,” explains Jane Cao, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.C., Di-

rector of Research and Cardiac Imaging. “We have an obligation to not only treat patients who

put their faith in us, but to ensure that they are able to live meaningful, productive lives.”

Anytime oncologists suspect a potential interaction of an individual’s cancer treatment with

their heart, they seamlessly work with cardiologists to initiate medications to prevent further

damage to their heart function.

“Our ability to fine tune cancer treatments with our cardiology partners allows us to treat

what is more life threatening and maximize longevity,” says Bhoomi Mehrotra, M.D., Director of

the Cancer Institute. “It is no longer an option, but a necessity for us to work hand in hand.”

The program is also leading important research into the cardiac needs of cancer patients and

has started a registry of patients who are just beginning chemotherapy.

“We want to better understand how to effectively identify those patients at high risk of devel-

oping cardiotoxicity and to effectively monitor patients to protect their heart throughout their

cancer treatment,” says Haoyi Zheng, M.D., a cardiologist and head of the new program, with a

clinic dedicated to cardio-oncology.

As researchers look at the effects of novel therapies on the heart for individuals with and

without heart disease, the underlying goal is to ensure that patients receive the best possible

cancer therapy.

“This partnership allows us, as oncologists, to continue to push the frontiers and boundaries

of cancer treatments while our partners in cardiology allow the individual to undergo the thera-

pies that they need for cancer management,” adds Dr. Mehrotra.

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The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital 2015/2016 Annual Report Page 10


AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

“We have an obligation to not only treat patients who put their faith in us, but to ensure that they are able to live meaningful, productive lives.”


Our immune system protects us from disease and fights infection; yet, this protection is thwart-

ed by diseases such as cancer. Tumor cells find ways to become invisible to the body’s defense,

overpowering the immune system as unhealthy cells grow and expand.

“Cancer cells can have molecules on their cell surface; they can interact with our immune

cells to switch off the immune system, allowing cancer to take advantage and proliferate,” ex-

plains Wallace P. Chan, M.D., attending physician in Hematology/Oncology.

Because the immune system is unable to identify and fight off cancer cells, researchers are

finding ways to help these immune system cells do their job better. This new class of treatment,

known as immunotherapy, is designed to boost the immune system to defeat cancer.

“Immunotherapy activates the immune system to recognize tumor cells and attack the can-

cer,” says Dr. Chan. “Immune therapies were discovered to be effective against kidney cancers

and melanoma. Now their use has been tremendously expanded to treat different types of solid

tumor malignancies and even some form of lymphomas and leukemias. Research continues to

investigate its ability to treat other cancers.”

While this promising treatment offers more options and hope to cancer patients, it also poses

certain risks.

“These therapies can sometimes create a severe immune storm that can attack any part of

the body, leading to immune mediated inflammation of different organs including the lung,

bowel, and pituitary gland,” notes Dr. Chan. “Patients are closely monitored for symptoms, and

in those cases, treatments are temporarily discontinued and a course of steroid is necessary to

suppress the hyperactive immune system.”

With further research and clinical trials, the body’s immune system can be modified to be-

come one of the best defenses and treatments against cancer.

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BOLSTERING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FIGHT CANCER



BOLSTERING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FIGHT CANCER “Cancer cells can have molecules on their cell surface;

they can interact with our immune cells to switch off the immune system, allowing cancer to take advantage and proliferate.”


Teams of highly skilled surgeons at St. Francis deliver the most advanced treatments, using the

latest techniques and newest technologies for better outcomes.

Surgical oncologists here are recognized experts in delivering focused and advanced care in a

wide range of tumors, including cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, esophageal, colorectal and

pancreatic cancer. Our surgeons are leaders in minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic

esophagectomy, 3D laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and the Whipple procedure, a complex

operation to remove pancreatic tumors.

“An integral part of our approach is to continuously innovate and deliver the most effective

treatment,” says Gary Gecelter, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Surgery. “One of our

goals is to further expand our colon and lung program, and 2017 is showing significant growth.”

As a key component of the Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary team, surgeons work closely

with medical and radiation oncologists, as well as other specialists, to determine the best treat-

ment options for each patient.

“Innovative and integrative treatment strategies developed in multidisciplinary tumor

boards has been demonstrated to optimize diagnosis, treatment and patient navigation,” says

Dr. Gecelter.

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INNOVATIVE SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

“An integral part of our approach is to continuously innovate and deliver the most effective treatment.”


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At the Cancer Institute, we are driven to progress medical knowledge to improve healthcare

delivery and patient outcomes.

The mission of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program is to disseminate current

information relating to advances in the field of oncology. The Institute is accredited by the Med-

ical Staff Society to offer CME credits in three areas: continuing medical education for health-

care professionals, medical Grand Rounds, and continuing education conferences.

Within the setting of the Tumor Boards, clinicians from all areas of medicine and research

share knowledge and work together for the benefit of the patient and continuous quality im-

provement. The Hematology/Oncology Grand Rounds, a didactic lecture series held monthly,

provides an opportunity for professional staff to learn from leaders and innovators in cancer

treatment and research. St. Francis also hosts an annual oncology symposium to educate prima-

ry care physicians and subspecialists in decision making related to cancer diagnosis, treatment

and follow-up care.

“It is important that oncologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals

have the forum to communicate and educate each other about all aspects of patient care,” says

Rajasree Roy, M.D., Attending Physician, Hematology/Oncology. “Our goal is to not only treat

that particular cancer, but the person.”

The Cancer Institute is also committed to improving the quality of care through the education

of our nurses. Morning rounds are held weekly to educate the nursing staff about the develop-

ment of new drugs and therapies.

“We encourage our staff’s professional development to give excellent quality and safe care to

our patients every day,” says Eileen Dwyer, R.N., OCN, Infusion Unit Nurse Manager. “The staff

responded and we have achieved and maintained an astounding 100% Oncology Certification.”

Our nurses are active members of the National Oncology Nursing Society and have attended

national conferences, where they presented a poster abstract on patient care. A team of nurs-

es have begun a research project and poster abstract for the 2018 conference on compassion

fatigue, a very real issue for oncology nurses in caring for this patient population and their

families.

“In order to care for our patients, we must take care of each other,” adds Dwyer. “As caregiv-

ers, we’re constantly learning and challenging ourselves to always exceed expectations.”

PROVIDING EDUCATION FOR IMPROVED OUTCOMES


“We are proud of our achievements, and remain vigilant in working to provide exceptional care to our community.”

PROVIDING EDUCATION FOR IMPROVED OUTCOMES


Our approach to care, our medical experience and our compassionate staff are why so many

trust St. Francis to provide exceptional cancer and hematology care.

“St. Francis has a very signature model, where the recruitment for any services looks for clin-

ical excellence and compassion,” says Bhoomi Mehrotra, M.D., Director of the Cancer Institute.

“For oncology, this is particularly true. Anyone we recruit must have the highest level of clinical

excellence, initiative for exploring new treatments and have a special bond with the community

that they are one of them and on the same side.”

Every doctor at the Cancer Institute is board certified in all aspects of hematology/oncology.

That includes the recent recruitment of George Zervos, M.D., a stellar community hematology/

oncologist in the Glen Cove area for several decades. He will provide consultative services in the

hospital, and focus on benign and malignant hematology.

To meet growing demand for patient care, St. Francis is increasing the recruitment of disease

and entity site specific talent. Pankaj Singhal, M.D., MS, MHCM, FACOG, was named the Chair

of Obstetrics & Gynecology/women’s health initiatives for the Catholic Health System (CHS)

and chief of gynecologic oncology. He is actively recruiting gynecologists with interests in mini-

mally invasive surgeries for women, both benign and malignant, which is an unmet need for our

community. Dr. Wallace Chan, immunotherapy expert, focuses on melanomas, sarcomas and

brain tumors. Dr. Rajasree Roy’s interest is in women’s cancer, including breast and gynecologi-

cal malignancies.

“We diagnose over 300 cases of breast cancer every year,” said Dr. Mehrotra, explaining the

need to provide enhanced breast services. “We want to become active participants in their

multidisciplinary care and survivorship.” The Cancer Institute will also focus on the expansion of

two other critical areas: colorectal surgery and urology.

As chair of cancer services at CHS, Dr. Mehrotra’s role is to integrate the Cancer Institute’s

relationship with the health system’s various hospitals.

“Our goal is that no matter where an individual is being treated within our six sister hospitals,

they all have access to the same level of high-quality and compassionate, evidence-based guid-

ed cancer services,” explains Dr. Mehrotra.

Towards that end, cancer centers are being built at Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Joseph

Hospital. Live, web-based conferences allow colleagues from other institutions to discuss care

in real-time. To remain on the cutting edge of cancer breakthroughs, the Cancer Institute also

aims to expand the clinical trials available at St. Francis and Good Samaritan.

“By using the collective experience of the entire CHS cancer community in difficult situations,

we can try to find the right path forward for our patients,” says Dr. Mehrotra.

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ONE COMMUNITY OF CAREGIVERS “We want to become active participants in their multidisciplinary care and survivorship.”


The Cancer Institute provides the most specialized care for patients with the most complex conditions.

With a commitment to comprehensive care, we are dedicated to exceptional patient care, from preven-

tion and diagnosis to treatment and management to support and follow-up care.

Cancer Care NavigationA cancer diagnosis can be the start of an emotionally and physically challenging journey. Our

Cancer Care Navigators provide individualized assistance every step of the way, from diagnosis

through survivorship. As specially trained registered nurses, our navigators help patients, their

families, and caregivers through their path of care - from coordinating appointments and facilitating

access, to emotional support, to assisting with insurance challenges and follow-up care.

Cancer RegistryAs a Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited facility, the Cancer Institute maintains a cancer registry,

which helps to advance evolving treatments and solutions in cancer care. This information system

maintains a digital database of all St. Francis Hospital patients diagnosed with and/or treated for can-

cer to help us better understand the disease in our local population. Information obtained from these

records improves cancer care and provides statistics to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a joint

program of the CoC and American Cancer Society (ACS), the largest clinical disease registry in the

world. Under the direction of the Cancer Committee, the Cancer Registry team conducts two studies

each year to monitor the quality of care provided to cancer patients. The Cancer Registry team also

coordinates weekly tumor boards and conferences encompassing all major sites diagnosed and treated

at St. Francis Hospital with multidisciplinary physician participation.

Clinical Research Clinical trials are critical for translating scientific discoveries into improved cancer treatments. At any

given time, the Cancer Institute offers a variety of clinical trials to patients for their voluntary partici-

pation. Prior to any clinical trial commencing, it is first reviewed and approved by both the St. Francis

Hospital Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and the St. Francis Hospital Institutional Review Board

(IRB). The Cancer Institute has met the Commission on Cancer (CoC) clinical trial standard for the past

three years and is on track to once again earn accreditation for 2017.

Current trials underway include:• A cardiotoxicity and cardiac imaging study to gain insights into possible undesirable effects chemo-

therapy may have on the heart. Patients are followed at 3 month intervals for a whole year. Nearly 130

patients have participated in this study since it launched in 2014.

• Research aimed at discovering information about the treatment course and responses of patients

living with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

• A study to evaluate the effects therapies may have on patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

(CLL) who are about to start their treatment.

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WORLD CLASS CARE


• A non-interventional, observational study of the presentation, treatment patterns and outcomes in

Multiple Myeloma patients.

• A cardio-oncology registry of patients will provide opportunities to systematically and comprehensively

evaluated features of cardiac toxicity in cancer patients receiving traditional chemotherapies, biological

therapies and immunotherapies. By way of identifying cardiac toxicity at an early stage, patients will be

able to receive cardiac protective therapy promptly, thereby preventing cardiac morbidity and mortality.

Genetics Counseling Genes hold a vital key to our understanding of cancer and its underlying causes. Our Cancer Genetics

Program helps identify those individuals and families with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. By of-

fering personalized risk assessment and management recommendations, we aim to empower patients

to make decisions that will lead to risk reduction and cancer prevention.

Inpatient CareThrough thoughtful design, our inpatient unit supports our vision of truly comprehensive cancer care in

a supportive and healing space. Patients receive coordinated care from medical oncologists, surgeons,

hematologists, immunologists, and an interdisciplinary team of navigators, social workers, and dieti-

cians and oncology certified nurses. St. Francis proudly received Magnet™ designation for excellence

in nursing care three years in a row. This is the highest level of nursing excellence and recognizes our

exceptional level of nursing quality and patient care.

Infusion Services Our extraordinary new campus allows us to offer the highest quality, state-of-the-art outpatient care

to more people. Designed to foster health and wellness, our infusion service centers are equipped with

all the amenities to make for a private and comfortable area. Staffed by oncology certified registered

nurses, the Cancer Institute’s infusion therapists provide specialized, personalized care to all patients.

Psychosocial Services To cope with cancer, patients need more than medical treatment. That’s why our team of psychosocial

support specialists - social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists - is available to all our patients and

their families. Our professional counselors help people manage the emotional and social challenges of

cancer and its treatments.

Radiation Therapy Radiation Oncology is an integral component of cancer services, and its presence on-site at the East

Hills campus strengthens the continuity of care. Our highly qualified radiation team work together with

our board certified providers to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs. St. Francis Radiation Oncology

is accredited by the American College of Radiology, which recognizes practices with the highest level of

quality and patient safety.

Radiology St. Francis Diagnostic, located adjacent to the Cancer Institute, features advances in precision imag-


ing, including CT, 3T MRI, PET, and diagnostic radiology. Located just steps away from several of our

affiliated physicians’ offices, it serves as an added convenience to our patients. Promising new research

currently underway uses MRI to assess the impact of chemotherapy on the hearts of cancer patients.

Surgical Services Offering leading-edge surgery, the Cancer Institute is equipped to provide technologically sophisticated

surgical care - including minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures. This technology combined

with the expertise of our surgeons and multidisciplinary teams allows us to perform surgeries that typi-

cally required hospitalization to be performed safely on an outpatient basis.

The Women’s Health Center After 15 years at the Dematteis Center, the Women’s Health Center of St. Francis Hospital is moving

into a brand new space at 2200 Northern Blvd in East Hills. Specifically designed for comfort and

convenience, the opening of the new Women’s Health Center will usher in a new era of personalized

treatment and services for the women of Long Island. This new modern facility will offer state-of-the-

art technology including two new 3D Mammography units and three new Ultrasound units. With

accreditations in all diagnostic modalities from the American College of Radiology, the center will be a

complementing component to the Cancer Institute in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The

center additionally offers prevention programs specifically designed to identify women who are at risk

for women’s heart disease.

Nutritional CounselingRegistered Dietitians, including two Certified Specialists in Oncology Nutrition (CSO), are available on

site to all cancer patients to offer education and support throughout the cancer continuum. Cookbooks,

healthy meal recommendations, and ongoing support classes are also available post treatment. The de-

velopment of a personalized nutrition care plan can improve response to therapy and promote recovery.

Palliative Care Our interdisciplinary Palliative Care Program allows team members to work alongside clinicians who are

treating cancer, to provide care that improves the quality of life for patients as well as their families. The

program focuses not only on the physical needs, but also the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of life.

Pastoral Care Inspired by St. Francis Hospital’s overall mission, the integration of spiritual, emotional, social, psycho-

logical, and physical care are all deemed as necessary components of the healing process. By working

collaboratively with oncological health care providers, chaplains provide spiritual care to patients and

their families of all religious affiliations.

Cancer Committee The Cancer Committee, which is comprised of board certified physicians from all medical specialities

and subspecialties, participates in patient care quality assurance programs and monitors all patient care

evaluations included in the Cancer Registry. The committee’s mission is to ensure that the best compre-

hensive cancer care is provided to all communities served.


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For more than two decades, the Community Outreach Program at St. Francis Hospital has

provided the community with an array of wellness programs, which have benefitted thousands

of residents in Long Island, Queens and beyond.

The Outreach team offers a broad range of cancer-specific initiatives, including education,

prevention, risk-reduction programs, and screenings for breast and prostate cancer. In 2016, the

program expanded its community outreach into other areas, including skin cancer awareness

lectures.

Committed to engaging and building collaborations with our diverse communities, the St.

Francis Hospital’s Outreach Bus offered cardiovascular, BMI, and diabetes screenings to under-

served neighborhoods with an increased risk of colon and breast cancer.

The Community Health department successfully increased participation for many of its can-

cer support programs, including a stop smoking clinic, restorative yoga series and the annual

women’s health seminar held in October in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

COMMUNITY SERVICES


COMMUNITY SERVICES


The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital partners with our neighbors at the Sid Jacobson

Jewish Community Center to offer highly tuned health and wellness programs. Throughout the

year, a range of educational presentations, fitness events, and nutritional and food demonstra-

tions provides patients and families with support to deal with the side effects of cancer and

boost healing.

Newly introduced in 2017 was a 12-week nutrition and exercise program, called “EAT. CHAT.

MOVE.” Individuals with breast and gynecological cancer participated in weekly nutrition

lectures led by Registered Dietitians from the Cancer Institute and aerobic activity and resis-

tance exercises led by a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. Participants were encouraged to

set weekly goals and learned how to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve their quality of

life. Through a grant received by the Oncology Nursing Society, the program was held twice with

plans to be held annually.

The innovative partnership between the Cancer Institute and the JCC also brings comple-

mentary care to those living with cancer. Volunteers hand knit more than 100 lap blankets for

patients undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, patients and caregivers had the opportunity

to participate in therapeutic paint sessions thanks to a grant from The Manhasset Women’s

Coalition Against Breast Cancer.

“I really appreciated the therapeutic paint party event because it forwarded me the opportu-

nity to interact with other people going through the same thing as I am,” said patient and partic-

ipant Lisa Stone. “At the same time it gave us all a moment to forget about the negativity in our

lives and just relax and have fun!”COM

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PARTNERS IN COMPLEMENTARY CARE


PARTNERS IN COMPLEMENTARY CARE At the same time it gave us all a moment to forget about the negativity in our lives and just relax and have fun!”


The Cancer Institute’s 5th Annual Cancer Survivors Day Celebration, held on June 10, 2017 at

the DeMatteis Center in Greenvale, brought together 176 survivors and their loved ones, as well

as physicians and staff, for a day of celebration, joy and inspiration.

Along with Ruth Hennessey, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer and Dr. Mehrotra, Director

of the Cancer Institute, guests were touched by survivor Will Hutchins, who shared something

of his personal journey in his trademark lighthearted style.

The “Taste of Texas” celebration included lunch, musical entertainment by DJ Johnny singing

golden oldies, as well as line dancing. All cancer survivors had the opportunity to win raffle priz-

es, graciously organized by the Nutrition team. Prizes included gift cards for local restaurants,

spas, and supermarkets, creative gift baskets, and tickets to many events including Broadway,

sporting, local theater and musical concerts.

“Our annual Cancer Survivors Day is a time for survivors to come together with their loved

ones and celebrate life,” said Dr. Mehrotra. “It’s also an incredible day for us as healthcare pro-

viders to celebrate our successes with our patients.”

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“A Taste of Texas”Saturday, June 10, 2017

THE DEMATTEIS CENTER

101 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale, New York(See directions on reverse side)

Registration starts 10:00 a.m.

Lunch & Entertainment to Follow from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free admission; please RVSP by May 26

To register call: (516) 622-4599

C O M E C E L E B R AT E L I F E !

Join us for our Fifth AnnualCancer Survivors Day Celebration

Sponsored byThe Cancer Institute atSt. Francis Hospital, The Heart CenterCatholic Health ServicesAt the heart of health

The Cancer Instituteat St. Francis HospitalThe Heart Center®Catholic Health ServicesAt the heart of health

Radiation Oncology

®

St. Francis Radiation Oncology

Affiliated with


CELEBRATING LIFE

“Our annual Cancer Survivors Day is a time for survivors to come together with their loved ones and celebrate life.”


Life for anyone diagnosed with cancer changes. Routines like work and socializing that once

filled the day may no longer be a part of their life. Redefining one’s self within this process is

challenging and inevitably provokes anxiety.

At the Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, patients sit side-by-side with Maria Vitsentzos,

M.S.N., RN, A.N.P.-C, Adult Nurse Practitioner for Palliative Care, in a private and serene envi-

ronment to express difficult emotions and experiences through art. Engaging in art work can

help focus attention, assist with non-pharmacologic management of anxiety, and improve an

individual’s quality of life.

“We offer patients a venue for unleashing their inner creativity, which assists in the therapeu-

tic experience,” explains Vitsentzos.

For one patient, the process of creative expression through watercolor painting has extend-

ed past the walls of the infusion clinic where it was initiated and into her home. It unleashed a

personal reckoning with creative talent she was unaware she possessed.

She verbalized her appreciation stating, “The creative side of me was cultivated and support-

ed at the infusion clinic. Engaging in art work positively impacts my life as I continue with my

cancer treatment.”

HEAL

ING HEALING THROUGH EXPRESSION



HEALING THROUGH EXPRESSION “We offer patients a venue for unleashing their inner creativity, which assists in the therapeutic experience.”


Comfort, give comfort to my people.” - Isaiah 40

Being in touch with the spirit can give one dealing with cancer an improved sense of well-be-

ing, hope, and peace. It can also help one find an anchor of control, empowerment, motivation,

forgiveness of oneself and others, and a renewed appreciation of life.

“It’s common for people to ask themselves ‘Why me?’ and question who they are as a per-

son,” says Sister Stella Slonski, CSJ, BCC. “As chaplains, we enter a unique relationship with

patients and caregivers on what is often a winding and twisting journey. We care for the whole

being of the person.”

The Pastoral Care Department at St. Francis Hospital is fully integrated into our mission to

heal, providing spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and staff. An interfaith

team of board certified chaplains serves people of every faith and background to offer a listen-

ing ear and a compassionate, non-judgmental presence.

As one of our patients put it, “The trust and confidence that comes with a Chaplain’s visit

tends to help me understand my hopes, my beliefs, and the meaning of life.”

CARE

FOR M

IND CARE FOR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT


CARE FOR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

“The trust and confi-dence that comes with a Chaplain’s visit tends to help me understand my hopes, my beliefs, and the meaning of life.”


In 2016, the Cancer Institute continued to build on previous achievements, while maintaining a

positive trajectory towards achieving our strategic goals. Individually and collectively, our people pos-

sess a single-minded commitment to deliver outstanding results.

Recognition• Received the Excellence Award, recognizing Eileen Dwyer, RN, OCN for nursing excellence in

education and clinical practice.

• Achieved and maintained 100% oncology certification of all nurses in the infusion suite.

Investments• Acquired several specialists to augment our Cancer Care Services:

• Hematology/Oncology

Wallace Chan, M.D., Attending Physician joined the Cancer Institute, Oncology Associates. Certificated in

Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology. Named Outstanding Resident Physician for two consecutive

years at Forest Hills Hospital. Recognized for excellence in teaching as chief resident physician. He com-

pleted his Fellowship at LIJ Medical Center, Monter Cancer Center, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine.

• Gynecologic Oncology Service

Pankaj K. Singhal, M.D., CHS Chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology/ women’s health initiatives and Chief

of gynecologic oncology joined St. Francis Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. A multi-disciplinary GYN

Tumor Board was established. These conferences bring cancer care specialists together to discuss care

management, review national treatment guidelines and research trials, in order to create the best treat-

ment plan for individual patients.

• Thoracic Surgery

Albert DiMeo, M.D., Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon, brings the latest minimally invasive proce-

dures and robotic techniques for lung cancer surgery to SFH. He completed his internship, residency and

fellowship at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

• Introduced Tomosynthesis (3D) Mammography in July 2016 at the SFH Women’s Center, one of the few

facilities in the region to offer this technology. Tomosynthesis has been proven by many studies to increase

cancer detection rates, up to 40% for invasive cancers, as well as decrease recall rates and the need for

additional views. The Women’s Center has been a pioneer in utilizing the newest technology called “C-View”,

which generates 2D images directly from the 3D tomosynthesis data. This allows for improved visualiza-

tion without increased radiation exposure.

• Acquired the Affirm upright stereotactic biopsy unit, which provides 3D biopsy capability at the SFH Wom-

en’s Center. This allows for biopsy of subtle mammographic findings, detecting cancers at their earliest stage,

while improving patient comfort during the biopsy experience.

2016

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ENTS 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS


Innovation• Offered promising new chemotherapy treatments designed to stimulate the body’s own ability to fight

cancer. Dr. Mehrotra explains how the regimens work: “They are unique in that they allow the body’s im-

mune system to recognize the tumor cells, which were until then camouflaged.” This revolutionary therapy

works better for some types of cancer than for others. Ongoing studies will impact how we treat cancer in

the future.

• Established a cardio-oncology registry of patients who are just beginning chemotherapy. Headed by

Haoyi Zheng, M.D., a cardiac researcher at SFH, the registry will allow him and his colleagues to track pa-

tients and to treat, and possibly reverse heart disorders before they become life-threatening.

• Implemented a web-based solution through Cerner and mTuitive. The current system receives

automatic updates when CAP protocols change, and demands completion of all required elements within a

synoptic report. It is anticipated that this will facilitate some compliance with CoC Standards on an auto-

mated basis.

Facilitation• Expanded our psychosocial services and patient support programs:

• Ongoing oncology social worker assessments and supportive counseling visits

• Continued distress screening - 223 screens completed in 2016; 101 indicating distress

• Oncology summer series: May-August - 13 participants

• Nutrition Throughout Your Cancer Journey: Eat & Move As a Survivor

• Cancer and the Workplace: Before, During and After Treatment

• Planning For Your Future: Advance Directives: Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Power of

Attorney and Last Will & Testament; and Medicaid

• Annual programs

• Look Good Feel Better - Monthly program - 14 participants in 2016

• Restorative Yoga - 23 participants in 2016

• Connections Peer Support Program - 4 new registrants in 2016

• Collaboration with the JCC:

• Knitting for a Cause - JCC volunteers knitted blankets for Infusion Center patients

• Genetics Education - LeAnn McCoy presented about BRCA at a JCC community

gathering

• “Stronger than Cancer” 5K Run - SFH team participated on May 22

• Adelphi Breast Cancer Peer Support – Produced flyer and distributed to patients.

• Encouraged participation in the annual women’s health seminar held at the Women’s Center:

• Genius 3D Mammography: A Better Mammography

• Breast Cancer Screening Technology

• Colon Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: You Have Options

2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS


Collaboration• Entered a partnership with Life Infusions, a concierge specialty pharmacy, which facilitates the

process of obtaining authorization and co-payment information for specialty medications. If an excessive

insurance co-payment amount is identified, the patient can be enrolled in an appropriate co-payment assis-

tance program. This streamlines the process of procuring specialty medications for patients and increases the

availability of the Nurse Navigator to address more primary clinical needs of patients

• Launched a healthy living program for cancer survivors, in partnership with the JCC. The program,

consisting of exercise and nutritional education, was developed in response to a survey conducted during

Survivorship Day to address the concerns of patients transitioning into survivorship.

• Expanded our oncology nursing community and unit based activities and partnerships:

• “Stronger Than Cancer” 5K Run - Collaboration with the JCC in support of the Nancy

Marx Cancer Wellness Program

• Relay For Life – Port Washington event; collaboration with the ACS to support cancer

patients and survivors

• Cancer Survivors Day – Our annual “Celebration of Life” luncheon

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Collaboration with the ACS to support breast

cancer research

• Lustgarten Foundation Walk – To support pancreatic cancer research

• Blue Ribbon Run – To support prostate cancer research

• Care for the Caregiver - Collaboration with the Haller Foundation

Development• Strengthened the quality of our oncology nursing services:

• Initiated a yearly oncology certification exam for all RNs and completed testing for all

clinical nurses.

• Increased clinical ladder status for professional development - CN3 & CN4 from 61% to 65%.

• Revised oncology education for employee orientation: “Care of the Oncology Patient”.

• Received acceptance of poster abstract titled “Pre-Initial Telephone Call Abstract to

Reduce Patient Anxiety” to be presented at the ONS National Conference in May 2017 and at

the Magnet Conference in October 2017.

• Revised chemotherapy administration policy approved by P&T and Med Safety Committees.

• Integrated art therapy into the Palliative Care program to enhance well-being and improve quality of life

for patients. Creating art is a therapeutic experience and can assist with adapting to stress during times

of health-related fear and anxiety. The creative process can be emotionally restorative and can ease the

expression of deep emotions about illness that are not easy to talk about. Self-esteem and pride is fostered

through the displaying of patient artwork on the clinic’s Art Exhibit.

• Increased the availability of Pastoral Care services for patients, families and the staff 5 days a week.

Quality improvements include:


• Chaplains sees all new patients, adding their spiritual assessment in Epic and records all

follow-up visits.

• A Healing Blessing Prayer was written and put on a bookmark that is given to all patients.

• “Selected Prayers for Health and Recovery” written by NY Board of Rabbis is given to all

new Jewish patients.

• Prayers and supportive materials are available for all religions.

• Pastoral Care provides a monthly debriefing for the nursing staff at the request of their

Unit Based Council. Some topics include: How do you care for yourself, how do

we cope with the death of our patients, how do you not work 24/7, how do you balance

being caring and compassionate and letting go of the patients and families at the end of the

day, how do you balance work life and your personal life. Feedback from the staff has been positive.

• Enhanced several quality improvements for our nutrition services:

• Julie Ceyhan, RD, CDN, CSO passed exam for Board Certified Specialist in Oncology

Nutrition, March 2016.

• Attended the 2016 Oncology Nutrition DPG Symposium, Taking Your Practice to New Heights!,

April 28-30, 2016, in Glendale, Arizona (Joan Fine, RD, CDN & Julie Ceyhan, RD, CDN, CSO).

• Survivorship Day 2016 – Obtained donated food-based raffle gifts for all attendees; opera

singing by Stefani Pappas, RD, CDN.

• Health Fair, DeMatteis Center – Registered dietitians represented the Cancer Institute;

food demo, posters/handouts and nutrition strategies for cancer prevention.

• Oncology Nutrition Lending Library – 30 cookbooks in circulation.

• Health-e-Recipes Binder – Copies of recipes are available for patients in the Oncology

Associates waiting room.

• Contributed to grant proposal writing to develop community programs:

The Care Cookshop

• Grant received by The Junior Coalition of The Manhasset Women’s Coalition

• Free program for teens who have family or friends affected by cancer

• Empowers teens to help their loved ones through healthy eating

• Led by a professional chef and Oncology Dietitians

Surviving Women’s Cancers Through Nutrition and Exercise

• Grant received by Oncology Nursing Society Foundation in partnership with the JCC

• Free 12 week series for breast and gynecological cancer patients

• Weekly nutrition group lecture led by Oncology Dietitians and concurrent physical

activity classes led by a Certified Oncology Exercise Physiologist


2017

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ENTS 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

InvestmentsThe Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital welcomed several specialists to augment our services:

• Hematology/Oncology George Zervos, M.D., Attending Physician joined The Cancer Institute at SFH, Oncology Associates. Certificated in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Board Eligible: Hematology, Blood Bank-ing. Residencies: University Hospital, Bucharest; SUNY, Downstate Medical Center. Fellowship at New York University Hospital; Hematology; Montefiore Hospital; Medical Oncology; Mount Sinai Hospital, Medical Oncology; New York Blood Center.

Natalya Krichmar, M.D., The Cancer Institute’s new liaison to St. Joseph Hospital, representing our efforts to extend our expertise to other Catholic Health System (CHS) hospitals. Dr. Krichmar graduated from The First Moscow State Medical University in 1996 and has been in practice for 14 years. She completed a residency at St. John Episcopal Hospital. Dr. Krichmar is board certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology.

• Radiation Oncology Service Alan Katz, M.D., joins our Radiation Oncology group, having spent years directing the Department of Radiation Oncology at Winthrop University Hospital, ultimately serving as Acting Chairman of its Albert Einstein Department of Radiation Oncology. Developed Winthrop’s Cyberknife radiosurgery program. Pioneered the use of radiosurgery for prostate cancer, lecturing and training physicians in this field in the US, Europe and Asia.

Innovation

• Lung Cancer Screening ProgramSt. Francis offers low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening to detect lung cancer early.Until the recent use of low-dose CT scans, lung cancer typically goes undetected until a personexhibits symptoms, making it more difficult to treat.

St. Francis provides annual lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, ages 55 to 80 These potentially lifesaving screenings are covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare.

• Beacon Oncology Module• Track Chemotherapy

Oncologists can create a single treatment plan that carries over to every oncology appointment for a patient. The treatment plan organizes treatment cycles and keeps the patient’s care teamon the same page.


2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Protocols Standardize and Simplify Chemotherapy OrdersAfter diagnosing a patient, oncologists can choose a protocol to automatically create atreatment plan that includes all of the appropriate orders for the patient. Protocols simplify oncolo-gists’ workflows in several ways: o Protocols provide a basic template for every treatment plan, so oncologists don’t have to worry about missing an order.o Decision support tools suggest the best protocols to use based on criteria such as diagnosis and cancer stage.o Protocol-based treatment plans promoteo standardized documentation and treatmento plans for similar diagnoses.o Dosing rules and suggestions built intoo protocols automatically adjust dosages based on variables such as patient weight and age.

• Treatment Plans Organize Orders and DocumentationThe treatment plans that oncologists create from protocols help every clinician on a patient’s care team see an organized, up-to-date plan and outcomes for the patient’s chemotherapy. In the treat-ment plan, clinicians can: o Reorganize or edit the plan at any point based on an individual patient’s needs.o Use an AUC calculator to make area under the curve-based dosing decisions.o See the treatment plan in its entirety across encounters.o Send the plan to clinicians or schedulers so they can see any updates and efficiently take action on items they’re responsible for.o Jump to any information pertinent to a patient’s chemotherapy, including goals and recurring treatments, directly from the plan.

• Simplify Cancer StagingStaging forms in Beacon help oncologists quickly stage cancers and submit data to oncology registries directly from Epic. When oncologists add a cancer diagnosis to a patient’s problem list and begin to stage, the correct staging form appears based on the cancer type and body site. From the form, oncologists can document staging information and prognostic indicators that influence decision support for the patient’s treatment.

As released, staging forms in Beacon meet the guidelines set by the AJCC and the InternationalFederation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Oncologists can customize staging forms to meet theguidelines for any submission registry or system used.


• Authorize TreatmentIntegration with other Epic applications allows scheduling and authorization of cancer treatmentto occur with minimal clinician effort.

• Schedule TreatmentSchedulable orders can be built into Beacon treatment plans. When a clinicians signsschedulable order, a treatment scheduling request with default details about visit type and duration is sent directly from the Treatment Plan Manager in Beacon to a Treatment Scheduling work list for scheduling in Cadence. If days are canceled or deferred, the treatment scheduling request is updated on the work list with the new information.

• Obtain Treatment AuthorizationWhen a clinician creates a treatment plan or therapy plan that includes medications that requirepayor authorization, a referral is automatically created and sent to a work queue for an authorization user. The authorization process is initiated by contacting the patient’s payor. Clinicians and pharmacy users can easily review a plan’s authorization status. If necessary, they can adjust the plan to avoid administering medications that won’t be reimbursed.

Collaboration• Patient Care Survivorship

A survey was conducted during Survivorship Day to determine respondents’ interest in various areas that would address their concerns as they make the transition to survivorship. Twenty two of the 37 individuals (60 per cent) indicated that they were very interested in healthy living through exercise and diet. Through a collaboration with the JCC, programs have been developed and made accessible to address these concerns.

Community• Community Service

• Polar Bear Plunge - February 2017 Partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation• Cancer Survivors Day for all SFH Cancer Survivors - June 2017• Blue Ribbon Run for Prostate Cancer - July 2017 Sponsored by Integrated Medical Foundation in support of prostate cancer research• Marcum Workplace Challenge - CHS Team - July 2017 Partnered with LI Cares - Harry Chapin Food Bank• Sands Point Preserve Run/Walk - August 2017 In support of childhood cancer• Friends of Karen - August 2017 Collection of school supplies in support of families of children with cancer


• JCC Stronger Than Cancer 5K - October 2017 In support of the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Program• Collaboration with Community Outreach - Wellness Seminar - October 2017 Displayed educational posters and provided information• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - October 2017 Sponsored by the American Cancer Society in support of breast cancer awareness and research• Adopt-a-Family - December 2017• In support of Our Lady of Fatima Church• Meals for Mary - December 2017 Donation of gift cards for food and Christmas presents

• The Women’s Center of SFH - Annual Women’s Wellness Seminar• Maintaining Bone Health as We Age• Remedies for Skin Changes of Aging• Roadmap for Breast Health: Update 2017


Development• Oncology Nursing

• Educationo Staff continue to create and display monthly educational poster boards (October - Breast Can-cer; November - Fighting Antibiotic Resistance)o Monthly Unit Educational In-Services (4th quarter topics) o General topics: Immunotherapy, Multiple Myeloma, Compassion fatigue, Parental Iron Infusion (Pharmacy Intern - Stephanie) o Medications: Keytruda, Injectofer, Octogam, Mylotarg, Ixabepilone, Jadenu, Nebbupento Increased RN staff attendance at monthly tumor board meetings and Grand Round presentationso Collaboration of CNE & Pharmacy Intern - Staff Education on Oral Chemotherapy and Different types of Iron Infusiono Beacon Go-live - smooth transition and continued ongoing educationo Staff demonstrates ongoing membership, support and attendance at educational seminars at local ONS Chapters - Long Island/Queens, Suffolk, Rockland County

• Recognition and Awardso May 2017 - Extraordinary Healer Awards: National Oncology Nursing Award sponsored by Cure Magazine - 2 of top 30 recipients published in Extraordinary Healer Book (Kathleen Morrison – peer-to-peer award; Adriana Wise – patient-to-RN award)o September 2017 - Danielle Kyrillidis nominated for ONS-Frontline Healer Awardo November 2017 - Eileen Dwyer nominated for Patrick J Scollard Leadership Award o November 2017 - Kendra Hoepper received IRB approval and ONS Abstract Acceptance for Research project “The Implementation of Innovative Strategies to Combat Compassion fatigue in the Oncology Nurse”o December 2017 - Nomination for ONCC Employer Recognition Award submitted

• Palliative Care• Therapeutic art experiences continue to offer oncology patients a means to reduce health related anxiety. The display of patient’s art work in the on-going art exhibit continues to improve self-esteem and foster a sense of pride. • Palliative care Nurse Practitioner initiated therapeutic art workshops for primary RNs provide relief from the compassion fatigue they experience caring for patients with chronic and terminal medical conditions. Each quarter in 2017, primary oncology RNs reported feeling stress relief following their participation. This workshop has also been included in a formal study on Compassion Fatigue in On-cology RNs.

• Pastoral Care• Pastoral Care is available 5 days a week – for all the patients, families and the staff of the Infusion


unit. The Chaplains are board certified and fully integrated into the Infusion unit as a professional member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team attending the daily morning patient rounds. • Chaplains see all new patients during their spiritual assessment using Epic and also records all follow-up visits. They serve people of every faith and spirituality providing a listening ear, prayer if requested and a compassionate non-judgmental presence.• Prayers and supportive materials are available for all religions: • A Healing Blessing Prayer was written and put on a bookmark given to all patients. • A plaque with positive words was also developed with the help of the nursing staff and put in each patient area to help patients during the treatment process. • “Selected Prayers for Health and Recovery” written by the NY Board of Rabbis is given to all new Jewish patients.• A chapel is available for all to use and visit as well as a quiet area in the unit for all to use. Various spiritual materials are available in this area.• Initiated an “I Still Am - Cancer hasn’t changed the things that make me special” project. Patients are asked to write on a heart all that is special about them and that can never be taken away. These hearts are displayed in the unit and one is given back to the patient to remind them of their specialness.• Pastoral care provides a monthly Compassion Fatigue session for the nursing staff at the request of their UBC. Topics discussed include: How do you care for yourself, how do we cope with the death of our patients, how you not work 24/7, how do you balance being caring and compassionate and letting go of the patients and families at the end of the day, how do you balance work life and your personal life. Feedback from the staff has been very positive.• Pastoral Care also attends the Cancer Committee and delivers a report on their ministry and pres-ence to patients.


• Patient Care Navigation • Restructured the nurse navigation process: • My Journey Binder was revised. • Developed and maintained relationship with the Specialty Pharmacy Account managers to assist Nurse Navigators in facilitating and obtaining medications, grants and free medications in an expedited manner. • Developed and maintained relationships with the affiliated practices and took on the responsibility of completing their survivorship care plans.

• Psychosocial Services - Patient Support Programs • Social Workers (1 full-time; 1 part-time) meet with each patient of the Oncology Associates Practice to assess needs and offer support. • Ongoing programs:• “Connections” Peer Support Program • Restorative Yoga at DeMatteis Center• Look Good Feel Better in partnership with ACS • Breast Cancer Peer Support with Adelphi NY State Breast Cancer Coalition• Collaboration with SJJCC• Therapeutic Paint Night - August and October

• Nutrition Services• Registered Dietitians continue to be available on site to all cancer patients throughout the cancer continuum o Two of four Registered Dietitians are Certified Specialists in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)• EAT. CHAT. MOVE.

o Results of the Survivorship Day Survey 2016 showed that about 60% of oncology patients are “very interested” in “Healthy Living Through Exercise & Diet”. The Cancer Committee de-veloped a program to encompass nutrition and exercise among breast and gynecological can-cer patients. Studies have shown that cancer patients who make lifestyle changes which focus on good nutrition and increased physical activity have improved outcomes and better quality of life. Unfortunately, doing so while on treatment can be challenging as patients may be fatigued and have changes in appetite. Obtaining and maintaining a healthy body weight decreases the chances of cancer recurrence and co-morbidities, promotes lean muscle mass to better tolerate treatment, prevents osteoporosis, increases quality of life and self-confidence. EAT. CHAT. MOVE. provides an opportunity to participate in weekly nutrition and exercise classes, is open to any patient diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancers undergoing treatment or have completed treatment. The class series, designed in consultation with nutrition and exercise physiology, encourages positive nutrition habits and exercise activities appropriate for the patient’s stage of health and reinforce these health behaviors beyond active treatment in a safe, supportive environment. o Grant received by Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) for two sessions of a free 12-week program. o First 12-week session January 9 - April 3 of 2017 with a total of 23 registered participants. Second 12-week session April 24 - July 24 of 2017 with a total of 15 registered participants.


o Individuals with breast and gynecological cancer participated in a weekly nutrition lecture led by Registered Dietitians and physical activity led by a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. • Cancer Prevention Awareness Day at JCC – February 27, 2017 o Registered Dietitian booth with posters, handouts, food models, MyPlate and nutrition strategies for cancer prevention.• The Care Cookshop at DeMatteis Center - March 11, 2017o An idea which was sparked by the members of The Junior Coalition of The Manhasset Women’s Coalition Grant received by The Junior Coalition of The Manhasset Women’s Coalition for teens who have family or friends affected by cancer led by a professional chef and Registered Dietitians. • Health Fair at DeMatteis Center - April 29, 2017 o Registered Dietitians represented The Cancer Institute and provided food demonstrations, samples and nutrition education.• Shake Day - March 22-23, 2017 o Registered Dietitian made healthy smoothies for staff; staff was asked to guess the hidden healthy ingredients. • Survivorship Day - June 10, 2017 o Coordinated hundreds of generous donations from restaurants and companies across Long Island and from various departments within SFH and The Cancer Institute to raffle off at no cost to cancer survivors. o Initiated a competition among The Cancer Institute, SFH, and JCC staff to create a gift basket as a donation – the winner received a prize.• 4 Your Life - started October 20, 2017 o A four-week nutrition discussion on survivorship guidelines for patients of all cancer types.• Breast Cancer Awareness Month at JCC - October 16, 2017 o Nutrition booth with Registered Dietitians for Q & A, cancer prevention/survivorship materials, healthy food samples and coupons. • Annual Women’s Wellness Seminar at DeMatteis Center - October 18, 2017 o Nutrition booth with Registered Dietitians for Q & A and cancer prevention/ survivorship materials.• Continue to develop and revise patient education materials and handouts: o Patient-centered educational posters displayed in waiting room areas o Recipe binders available for patients o The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Oncology Practice Group Diet Manual o The National Cancer Institute’s booklet; “Eating Hints” and ACS’ “Nutrition for the Person with Cancer During Treatment” o Currently there are 25 cookbooks in circulation via our nutrition lending library available for patients and their families• Continue to establish alliances with companies (Abbott, Nestle, Orgain, Premiere) to provide oral nutrition supplement samples and coupons to oncology patients.


2016 Statistical Summary of Registry DataThe Cancer Registry at St. Francis Hospital is an integral part of the cancer program. The Registry’s computerized information system is designed for the collection, management, and analysis of data for all cancer patients. The data collected includes information on primary site, stage of disease, treatment modalities, current patient status, and basic demographic information. A detailed annual follow-up system has a 90% success rate and yields end-results on disease status, treatment and survival.

Total Cases for 2016 = 2,017 Total Analytic = 1,429 Total Non-Analytic = 588

2016 Cancer Cases Chart

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800

Analytic Cases

Non-Analytic Cases

1,429

588

Class of Case

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

24%

12%10% 9% 9%

6% 5% 5%3% 3% 2% 2%

5%

Breast

Blood & Bone Marrow

Bronchus & Lung

Prostrate

Colorectal

Lymphatic

System

Pancreas

Bladder

Brain & CNSGYN

Kidney

Stomach

All Other Cancers

Analytic Cases: Cases

diagnosed and/or treated at

St. Francis Hospital for their

1st course of treatment.

Non-Analytic Cases: Cases

diagnosed & treated else-

where for 1st course of treat-

ment and seen at St. Francis

for subsequent treatment.

CANCER REGISTRY ACTIVITY


Physician MembersBhoomi Mehrotra, M.D, Director of Oncology and of

The Cancer Institute; Cancer Committee Chair

Dilip V. Patel, M.D., Director of Malignant Hematology

Gary Gecelter, M.D., Chairman, Department of Surgery

Mitchell Chorost, M.D., Director, Surgical Oncology

Jay Bosworth, M.D., Director of Radiation Oncology

Lawrence Durban, M.D., Thoracic Surgery

Scott J. Sherman, M.D., Chief of Radiology

Carolyn Birnbaum, M.D., Women’s Imaging Center

Ana Anagnostopoulos, M.D., Chair,

Department of Pathology through April 2016

Jeffrey Hamilton, Chair,

Department of Pathology as of April 2016

Ronald J. Gulotta, M.D., VP Medical Affairs &

Chief Medical Officer

Marvin J. Tenenbaum, M.D., Associate Medical Director

& Chairman of Medicine

Richard Johnson, M.D., Director of Neurosurgery

Kenneth Kahaner, M.D., Psychiatry

Eugene Rubach, M.D., Cancer Liaison Physician

Joseph Pipala, M.D., Quality Improvement Coordinator

Rajasree Roy, M.D., Cancer Registry Quality Coordinator

Anne Vinokur, M.D., Radiation Oncologist

Wallace Chan, M.D., Hematology/Oncology

George Zervos, M.D., Hematology/Oncology

Rita Weiss, M.D., Hematology

Rick Madhok, M.D., Neurosurgery

Felix, Badillo, M.D., Director Urology

Non-Physician MembersAnna Leah Apil, RN, Nurse Manager, 2W

Gilbert Baerga, Oncology Administrator

Anna Baracchini, RN, AVP, Performance Improvement

Heidi Bentos-Pereira, RN, OCN, Clinical Nurse Specialist

Teresa Birnbaum, RN, Patient Navigation

Steven Cabble, Director, Cancer Institute & Pharmacy

Ann Cella, RN, VP, Patient Care Services

Julie Ceyhan, RD, CSO, Oncology Nutrition

Samantha, Conti, LCSW, OSW-C, Oncology Social Worker

Patricia Daye, VP Ambulatory Services

Eileen Dwyer, RN, OCN, Nurse Manager, Infusion Unit

Mary Elbert, Director, Medical Staff Affairs

Karla Gaynor, CTR, Cancer Registry

Sister Pauline Gilmore, Pastoral Care

Elaine Halloran, Director, Care Management & Social Work

Ruth Hennessey, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer

Sherly Jacob-Perez, RN, Research Nurse

Laura Liberto-Sosa, Admininstrative Secretary

Jennifer Logiudice, Administrator, CHS, Oncology

Dawn Manuel, Director, Physical Therapy

Lee Ann McCoy, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor

Sister Katherine Murphy, CNS, Nursing Education

Donna Rebelo, RN, AVP, Patient Care Services

Christina Sabatino, RD, CSO, Oncology Nutrition

Diana Salta, LCSW, Asst., Director Care Management

Sister Stella Slonski, Pastoral Care

Adrienne Thomas, CTR, Cancer Registry Manager

Dawn Tropeano, RN, American Cancer Society

Julia Vinsky, Director, Prevention, Research & Education

Maria Vitsentzos, RN, ANP-BC, Palliative Care

Ann Way, ANP-C, Research Nurse

Patricia Zant, RN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Navigator

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800

CANCER REGISTRY ACTIVITY 2016 CANCER COMMITTEE


2200 Northern Blvd.East Hills, NY 11548Phone: (516) 325-7500Fax: (516) 325-7525

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2016/2017 Annual Report Personalized Cancer Care, Close to ... · vide, being part of a team that...

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Transcript of 2016/2017 Annual Report Personalized Cancer Care, Close to ... · vide, being part of a team that...