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What was supposed to be the role of a coordinator of oncological treatment, and what is it really like?
Affiliations- Department of Psychology and Sociology of Health and Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
- Foundation Oncology 2025, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
- Ethics Clinical Research Center, Olsztyn, Poland
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Abstract
Introduction. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of oncological treatment, it is necessary to coordinate it properly. In response to this need, an idea emerged to create a new profession in the system of oncological care, the so-called oncological treatment coordinator. The aim of the study was to assess the actual role of coordinators in hospitals in Poland.
Material and methods. The study was carried out by means of a questionnaire among persons employed as coordinators and persons who act as coordinators within additional duties.
Results. The study involved 95 coordinators from various centers in Poland, half of which were recruited on purpose as coordinators. Less than half (40%) have received training on their work. The main task of the coordinators is to ensure that the documentation related to the patient’s Diagnostic and Oncological Treatment Card (DiLO) is complete, to set appointments for diagnostic tests and visits to doctors’ offices and to cooperate with medical statistics departments. Only half of the coordinators inform or provide non-medical support to the patient. Coordinators face very different difficulties in their work.
Conclusions. Coordinators are a valuable professional group in the Polish oncological care system. However, there is a lack of clearly defined tasks, systematic training and support.
Abstract
Introduction. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of oncological treatment, it is necessary to coordinate it properly. In response to this need, an idea emerged to create a new profession in the system of oncological care, the so-called oncological treatment coordinator. The aim of the study was to assess the actual role of coordinators in hospitals in Poland.
Material and methods. The study was carried out by means of a questionnaire among persons employed as coordinators and persons who act as coordinators within additional duties.
Results. The study involved 95 coordinators from various centers in Poland, half of which were recruited on purpose as coordinators. Less than half (40%) have received training on their work. The main task of the coordinators is to ensure that the documentation related to the patient’s Diagnostic and Oncological Treatment Card (DiLO) is complete, to set appointments for diagnostic tests and visits to doctors’ offices and to cooperate with medical statistics departments. Only half of the coordinators inform or provide non-medical support to the patient. Coordinators face very different difficulties in their work.
Conclusions. Coordinators are a valuable professional group in the Polish oncological care system. However, there is a lack of clearly defined tasks, systematic training and support.
Keywords
coordinator; oncology package; cancer patient care system
About this articleTitle
What was supposed to be the role of a coordinator of oncological treatment, and what is it really like?
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Research paper (original)
Pages
1-8
Published online
2020-03-03
Page views
1657
Article views/downloads
660
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2020;70(1):1-8.
Keywords
coordinator
oncology package
cancer patient care system
Authors
Karolina Osowiecka
Monika Rucińska
Andrzej Andrzejczak
Ewelina Żarłok
Iwona Chrostek
Sergiusz Nawrocki
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