Infusion Team’s Success with Patient Support Program

For cancer patients, marking milestones is an important part of treatment. The nursing team in the Infusion Center at Medina Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic community hospital, implemented the new Lions, Tigers & Bears Program to support patients. As each person completes his or her round of chemotherapy, the team marks the event with a “graduation ceremony.”

This new program has become a part of a patient’s care plan for the Medina Infusion Center — it’s as important as knowing a patient’s diagnosis and drug regimen, says oncology nurse Sharalyn Beelen, RN. “On patients’ final days of chemotherapy, we celebrate their progress with a ‘graduation’ and special gifts,” she says. “We want to encourage people with cancer to plan ahead and look forward to tomorrow.”

Fund helps with program gifts

Each patient receives a card signed by everyone on the team, including the patient’s physician, along with a large individualized stuffed teddy bear and balloons. They also receive a two-year planner that highlights the one-year anniversary (to come) of their last round of chemotherapy.

The money for these gifts comes from the Cancer Services Fund, which is part of the hospital’s Foundation. The practice began in December 2012, and thus far more than 60 patients have been celebrated and the team has received dozens of thank-you notes, letters and holiday greetings in return.

On Theresa Keeler’s last day of chemotherapy, she said this about the program: “When I was first diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer metastasized to the bone, I was absolutely devastated. I figured it was a death sentence. When I got the bear and realized the worst was over, my relief was palpable. It was and still is a reminder that God and my healthcare family can help me get through anything.”

Improving patient satisfaction

By survey data, there has been a marked increase in patient satisfaction. In the 2013 Press Ganey report, the Medina Infusion Center was in the 94th percentile in patient satisfaction, with all answers about infusion therapy in the 90s. “This program has done wonders for our patients,” says Mir Ali, MD, of Cleveland Clinic Regional Oncology. “When patients with cancer have a real sense of belonging and being cared for, they are more compliant with their treatment and more willing to share their concerns. This makes a big impact on patient outcomes.”

Beelen says the Lions, Tigers & Bears program promotes a sense of team cohesiveness. “It helped a new group of nurses and healthcare professionals who never worked together before to have a common purpose,” she says. “Our physicians are right there reminding me when the last chemo is due and offering congratulations and encouragement to patients.”

No one fights alone

The team also provides patients with a “courage kit” at the beginning of chemotherapy. It is filled with helpful items, including a book, sunscreen, socks, gloves, candies, a blanket, and a multicolored wrist band that reads “No one fights alone.”

“We all wear these wrist bands to remind our patients that they are not alone in their fight,” says Beelen. “This is what putting patients first is all about.”

In addition to Beelen, the team implementing the Lions, Tigers & Bears Program at Medina includes Patricia Plack, RN; Kathy Over, RN; Greg Bates, MA; Kathy Pacanovsky, PSR; and Mike Damore, RPHT.