Interdisciplinary Collaboration ‘Imperative’ to Streamlining Cancer Care

Working with interdisciplinary teams is an aspect of oncology nursing that is more crucial than it may seem, says Jessie Desir, PhD, RN, AMB-BC, OCN.

In a conversation with Oncology Nursing News, Desir explained that collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and nurse navigators streamlines care for patients with cancer, despite being overlooked at times.

She highlighted the importance of working with providers outside of oncology related to a patient’s treatment, such as physical and occupational therapists, as well as nutritionists.

Desir added that while these interactions can be neglected or thought of as separate from the primary role of oncology nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs), giving care to these details can help patients receive the best treatment.

Examples Desir gave of ways oncology nurses and APPs can facilitate better care through collaboration are staying coordinated in scheduling patient appointments and keeping patients educated and up to date on next steps in treatment and recovery.

Transcript

It is imperative that nurses work with the interdisciplinary team as it relates to the patient getting the best care and the best treatment.

Nurses, especially nursing navigation, play a huge role with making sure that patients really navigate through their team members effectively to get the best patient outcome that's available.

So educating that patient, making sure that the appointments have already been scheduled prior to maybe a patient leaving our clinics every day, and making sure that the patients remain educated on what those next steps are, as far as the oncologist, maybe even physical therapy, because of surgery where that patient would need physical therapy at post-surgery. That may not seem important, but it's very important.

Occupational therapy, as well, that we don't really think much about in the oncology space, but very important. So all of these team members—our nutritionist—as a team member, play a very important role with the outcome for that patient.

This transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.