A multidisciplinary approach to lung care.
Patients needing diagnosis and possible treatment for a lung nodule can often find themselves in a seemingly endless maze of appointments to coordinate, resources to evaluate and paperwork to complete. Baptist Health Medical Group Thoracic Surgery works with the Cancer Care Center at Baptist Health Louisville to simplify this process for patients with a multidisciplinary clinic for lung cancer treatment – a clinic without walls coordinated with the help of a nurse “navigator”.
Multidisciplinary Clinic
The Lung Care Center brings together various cancer experts from both the medical and surgical sides with the goal of expediting diagnosis and coordinating treatment for patients based on evidence-based guidelines. Specialists represent various areas of oncology care, including:
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Pulmonary medicine
- Thoracic surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
During a multidisciplinary conference, specialists come together at a designated time and place to discuss the details of lung cancer patients’ cases and make recommendations. This joint conference can save patients several weeks of waiting to get in to see a specialist on an individual basis.
Nurse Navigator
A dedicated nurse navigator adds a personal touch to the process, helping guide patients on a one-on-one basis through the journey from diagnosis to treatment. The nurse navigator is a specially trained nurse who helps:
- Coordinate various tests and appointments with physicians
- Schedule the multidisciplinary conference
- Serve as a resource for education and support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process
The idea is to extend a helping hand to patients who may be feeling really overwhelmed. The goal is to successfully guide them through the system, be a resource to patients and let them know what to expect during hospitalization and treatment.
The multidisciplinary clinic is a valuable service for lung cancer patients, providing convenient access to the comprehensive care and resources available at Baptist Health Louisville.