Susan Boyko, MRT (T), M.Ed.Consultant, Quality Improvement and Education
Jami van Haaften, M.L.S.Librarian, Health Sciences Library
Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes…
Rebuilding the Cancer Patient Library
Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes…
Rebuilding the Cancer Patient Library
We finally had a Patient Library!
A 2004 major expansion of Sudbury’sRegional Cancer Program included a newroom for our Patient Library service.
The Patient Library
Larger oncology book and media collection
Tables and chairs Two computer workstations with
Internet access Interactive cancer information series
available on CD ROM Pamphlets, brochures and
newsletters
The Patient Library Direct telephone line to a reputable cancer
information service Hospital library staff provide service
between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reception staff and Canadian Cancer Society
volunteers help with after hours access
The Patient Library
We built it but they did not come!
Steady usage but… Lack of patient awareness Limited referrals from staff Patients and family members
competed with staff for table space Patients and caregivers were passing
us by
Paraphrased from Field of Dreams (1989) Universal Studios; “If you build it, he will come.”
Late in 2010…
Clinical services needed space formore patient symptom self
assessment kiosks in the lobby…
The adjacent Patient Library spacewas identified as expendable.
Time for Reflection
The 2011 renovation meant losing 1/3 of the Patient Library floor space
It was unlikely that we would ever recover similar space again
We saw this as an opportunity for change!
What is patient-centred care?
I entered the library space, sat andlooked around me. I tried to
imagine what I would feel if I werea patient… what did I see and
hear… what would I need if I hadcancer?
What could this place offer me?
What I saw with a patients’ lens…
Competing program signage Too many event notices and
posters Over-abundance of pamphlets and
handouts… Spines of books and DVDs… in
very small print… blending into the background
What I heard with a patient’s ear…
Chatter of hospital staff using the area on their breaks
Television noise from the waiting area
Traffic noise as people entered and exited the cancer centre beside the Patient Library
Prior to Renovations
Energized, two weeks before therenovations we began with tradingtables and chairs for lobby armchairs Extraneous notices and flyers
disappeared New simpler signage appeared Plants and books were displayed
on the coffee tables
After the Renovations
Patient Library was closed briefly Gradually workstation tables,
computers, pamphlet racks and the cancer information service direct phone line were reinstalled
But… we had plenty of time to observe the positive impact the small
changes were making as services came back on line!
Improvements
Colorful book covers and patient event calendars replace event notices
Handouts and other materials focus on cancer-related topics and Patient Library services
Improvements
Shelves were used to display books, CDs and DVDs to advantage
Cabinet glass doors are left open while staff are available
New book truck allowed flexible book display
Improvements
Table top displays generate immediate interest
Workstations run: Music, relaxation and
meditation CDs Online cancer information
and testimonial videos from reputable websites
Live streaming radio (CBCradio and Zoomer Radio)
Usage
Patient Library Activity Type 2010 - 2011
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
August2010
September2010
October2010
November2010
December2010
January2011
Feburary2011
March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August2011
Library Pamphlets Internet
Usage
Person Requestng Information
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
August'2010
September2010
October2010
November2010
December'200
January2011
Feburary2011
March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August2011
Patient Caregiver/family Staff
January 4, 2011
Pst, pst…
Guess what? People are picking upthe books from the displays on thetables. I have 4 people looking atbooks right now.
June 30, 2011
The computers are up and running.I am playing a CD on one of
them….Sound Body, Sound Mind:Music for Healing with Andrew Weil.
This place “looks” like a library.
Thank You for Listening to our Story
In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi (1869-1948)
Contact Us:
Susan Boyko Email: [email protected]
Telephone (705) 522-6237 Ext. 2037
Jami van Haaften Email: [email protected] Telephone (705) 523-7100 Ext. 2600
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