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Oncology Services
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Cancer Quality Initiatives
The John Muir Cancer Institute's dedication to quality is clear through our participation in the national Commission on Cancer (COC), organized by the American College of Surgeons (ACOS).
"The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care."
Ongoing approval on both the Walnut Creek and Concord campuses as Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Programs (COMP) requires passing a survey done every three years that evaluates adherence to 36 mandatory standards of quality care. We continue to be one of 1,433 cancer programs in the US that have received approval. On the most recent survey the mandatory standards were met with commendations on six standards.
Continuous Quality Improvement in Cancer Care - Taking the Next Step: Application for Designation as a Network Cancer Program (NCP):
- At John Muir Health we have one Cancer Program with comprehensive cancer services at more than one site. This has required meeting standards that exceed those detailed for a COMP. A consultation with the COC is scheduled for April 2008, at which time a determination will be made regarding readiness for survey as a Network Cancer Program (NCP) in 2008. Network programs are characterized by a network-wide cancer committee, standardized registry operations with a uniform data repository, coordinated service locations and participation in clinical research.
- Continue to further emphasize our commitment to quality care.
National Quality Measures for Breast Centers
The John Muir Health Breast Cancer Program is participating in an ongoing voluntary program, "National Quality Measures for Breast Centers," through the National Consortium of Breast Centers. This program identifies 33 specific quality-care measures assessing patient care. The program provides immediate access to information, which allows participating breast centers to compare their performance on these measures with that of other centers across the country. The program also allows participating breast centers to identify where quality care already exists and where quality care improvements can be made. Based on our hospital profile we have been classified as a Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Center. The ultimate goal of participating in this program is to become recognized as a "Certified Breast Center of Excellence."
The National Quality Measures for Breast Centers was developed by referencing the Health Care Advisory Board's Clinical Quality Dash Board. These measures are released as Phase II in Parts 1-4. The first part is focusing on the timeliness of diagnosis.
Phase II - Part 1 looks at 6 measures focusing on timeliness of diagnosis.
- Imaging time between screening and diagnostic mammogram
- Mammography call back rate
- Surgical timeliness with excisional biopsy
- Imaging timeliness with core biopsy
- Surgical timeliness between biopsy and initial breast surgery
- Core biopsy rate
Phase II - Part 2 focuses on the timeliness of pathology. Phase II - Part 3 focuses on the completeness of pathology and patient satisfaction and Phase II - Part 4 is related to treatment.
Commission on Cancer - National Cancer Database (NCDB)
Quality Team
- We have initiatives dedicated to comprehensive program development, clinical quality improvement in process or outcome and enhanced patient throughput.
- General Oncology
- Breast Health Services
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Hepatic / Pancreatic / Biliary Oncology
- Colorectal
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Thoracic Oncology
- Prostate Cancer
- Neuro Oncology
- Cancer care often includes receiving more than one type of treatment over a defined period of time. To assist patients in navigating their way though the physical and emotional challenges, our program offers Nurse Educators / Patient Navigators that focus on meeting individual needs.
- Many site-specific programs have dedicated Physician Directors as well as Nurse Educators / Patient Navigators:
- General Oncology
- Thoracic Oncology
- Breast Health Services
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Hepatic / Pancreatic / Biliary Oncology
- Colorectal
- Our Healthcare Team is composed of:
- Dedicated General Oncology and Site-Specific Physician Directors
- Multidisciplinary Physician Specialists
- Oncology Service Line Director
- Certified Oncology Nurses
- Nurse Educators / Patient Navigators
- Licensed Genetic Counselor
- Cancer Registrars
- Clinical Trial Director
- Social Services
- Dieticians
- Pharmacists
- Pastoral Care