Improving Malignancy Care
Marisa Marshall, RN is our Malignancy Nurse Navigator, or in other terms, she is responsible for identifying and removing barriers that may impact treatment for tumors and cancers.
The more complex a treatment is, the more opportunities there are for gaps or barriers to exist. Such is especially true for Oncology, where depending on the type of cancer diagnosis, the patient may require referrals for surgical interventions, radiation, chemotherapy or other disciplines, to name a few.
Marisa, a recent hire, recognized that there were gaps in the nurse navigator process and immediately took off with ideas. She reached out to Innovation Specialist Laura Henry, System Redesign Coordinator Marcelina Trawick and the High Reliability Service to request support on implementing process improvements.
By focusing on the system and identifying opportunities for process improvement, Marisa and the team demonstrated a strong example of Preoccupation with Failure. As part of the VHA strategic plan, we want to be the health care provider of choice, which includes oncology care and all its complexities. She encourages front line staff to identify gaps within the system and work with their leadership to develop solutions to mitigate and close those gaps. This is in addition to practicing Deference to Expertise and pulling in System Redesign, Innovation and High Reliability resources to bring expertise to support these process improvements.
The entire team has consistently demonstrated the willingness to work hard and further our healthcare system’s goals as a High Reliability Organization.