Programme helps journey through health system

Colorectal cancer programme helps journey through health system

6th October 2007

The production of New Zealand’s first handbook for colorectal cancer patients was just one outcome of a recent project by Waitemata District Health Board.

The Colorectal Cancer Improvement Project is a finalist in this year’s 2007 New Zealand Health Innovation Awards (NZHIA) being held in Wellington in October.

“The booklet has been a major step forward in managing colorectal cancer at North Shore Hospital. It makes the whole cancer journey clearer for our patients and answers some of the many questions they and their families have,” says North Shore Hospital surgeon Mike Hulme-Moir.

The resource is given to all those diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has led to positive feedback from patients.

“It’s a fabulous resource to read,” says one patient, “and takes away the fear because information gives you knowledge and knowledge is power”.

Colorectal cancer accounts for the highest number of cancer-related hospital admissions in Waitemata and is the second highest cancer killer in the district, after lung cancer.

The colorectal cancer project also aimed to improve patient certainty and choice and enhance access to services while limiting unnecessary delays.

It was split into two projects with the Process Mapping Project focused on information gathering and analysis including mapping the patient pathway, measuring patient flows, investigating delays, analysing endoscopy capacity and demand, and patient interviews.

The Care Co-ordination Project aimed to improve the prioritisation, treatment and follow-up of patients by developing referral guidelines, follow-up protocols and a patient-held record.

The programme has had positive outcomes, including a reduction in patients waiting for colonoscopies from 948 in January 2006 to 499 in April 2007.

Quality targets have been set for 2008 and the programme’s methodology and findings will be applied to other types of cancer in Waitemata district.

The NZHIA, a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Health and ACC, were started in 2003 and recognise individuals and organisations that have developed new and innovative approaches to delivering better health services.

Further information about the HIA is available online at http://www.healthinnovationawards.co.nz

This year’s HIA winners will be announced at the HIA expo and gala dinner held on October 10 at the Wellington Town Hall.

ENDS

© Scoop Media