REVISED: Patient Navigators at WCH: “You Don’t Have to Face This Alone”

  • By Lisa Amstutz
  • August 29, 2012
  • 327
                        
Full-length story: Many of us wouldn’t think of setting out on a long journey without a GPS. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some kind of navigation system to guide patients and their families through the difficult journey of chronic disease or cancer as well? As it turns out, there is. At Wooster Community Hospital (WCH), two Patient Navigators are now available to help patients and caregivers navigate the maze of paperwork, understand their diagnosis, find needed programs and resources, and sometimes just provide a listening ear. Judith Hogan of Apple Creek experienced the benefits of having a Patient Navigator when a recurrence of cancer landed her in the hospital. WCH Patient Navigator Polly Johnson contacted Hogan to offer assistance and helped her apply for Social Security benefits, Disability, etc. “Polly knows the ins and outs and what papers to fill out—a lot of things I wouldn’t have known about or thought about,” said Hogan. “She was just great. Afterward, she followed up with me to make sure all the paperwork had been filed and the ball was still rolling. “Knowing there is help out there and how to apply for it was such a blessing. When your body is weak, your mind feels weak too. It’s so nice to have someone come alongside you and be your mental crutch.” Hogan said she would absolutely recommend this service to anyone. “It’s kind of a strength that comes right up beside you and helps when you need it.” Patient Navigators can provide information on a person’s disease, treatments and side effects, or refer them to support groups, classes and other programs for information and support. These may include case managers, social services, community or national cancer organizations and dietitians. In addition, they help patients find resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation and other concerns. Navigators do not, however, give medical advice, recommend a particular treatment or healthcare provider, limit anyone’s options for finding support elsewhere, or come between a patient and their physician. Susan Van Sickle, Wound/Ostomy/Oncology Specialist, is a clinical Patient Navigator, which means she answers questions and provides resources to help patients understand their diagnoses. She teaches them to care for drains and prosthetics, wounds, ostomies, etc. and helps prepare them for the next steps on their path of treatment. Van Sickle has worked at WCH for 11 years, first as a Med/Surg floor nurse, then as a charge nurse before beginning her current position a year ago. She is excited about the benefits that Patient Navigation brings to the community. “We had been looking into this for a long time—we thought it was important for the hospital to have our own Patient Navigators,” she said. Polly Johnson works primarily with patients who have cancer or chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s, and also serves as the hospital’s Amish advocate. She focuses on the nonclinical issues that patients face. A former teacher, Johnson believes it was divine intervention that landed her in the Patient Navigator position after working at a doctor’s office for a time. “I found out I loved it, and had a passion for it,” she said. She started in 2003 and worked eight years as a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society in Wooster before moving to WCH. Oncologist Dr. Paul Masci has worked with both Van Sickle and Johnson over the years. “Both women have a natural empathy which leads to greater compassion,” he said. “I think very highly of both of them—they have a passion for what they do and they do a fabulous job.” “We’re here to link patients with the resources they need,” said Johnson. “No question is too far-fetched—it may be the only time I ever hear that question, but it’s important to that person.” One of the many ways Johnson assists patients is by recommending medication assistance and copay programs for those who can’t afford their prescriptions. She also walks people through applications for Medicare, Medicaid, Disability and other programs. Assistance can be given over the phone when it is difficult for someone to come to the office. Patient Navigator services at Wooster Community Hospital are completely free and available to anyone, regardless of whether they are a patient at WCH or not. Johnson invites people to call, email or stop by the office, which is located on the ground floor of the hospital, near the auditorium. “You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help you find those resources you need.” For more information or to contact a patient navigator at WCH, call 330-202-5162 or visit www.woosterhospital.org.


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