eBulletin Newsletter
Why APSHO Executive Director Uses NCCN Guidelines for Patients
Wendy H. Vogel, MSN, FNP, AOCNP®, is the Executive Director and founding board member of the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology. She is also an oncology nurse practitioner practicing in Kingsport, Tennessee.
NCCN Foundation thanks Ms. Vogel for sharing her perspective and use of NCCN Guidelines for Patients.
As an oncology healthcare provider, I am continually looking for patient resources and reliable websites to recommend. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) patient resources are ones I often utilize.
Found on NCCN.org are over 60 cancer treatment guidelines for patients. These are designed not only to inform and educate, but also to facilitate discussion between the patient and their healthcare team. These are ideal to utilize when you are discussing the diagnosis and treatment for a patient. Having a print copy allows you to circle and highlight the patient’s specific details. These also include a glossary of relevant terminology. You (or your patient) can order free printed copies. Many are available in different translations. You can access these from the desktop or mobile app.
Another valuable resource offered on the NCCN website are disease state patient webinars – both live and recorded. These webinars provide information about specific cancers and their treatment options. For example, the webinar on pancreatic cancer features an oncologist, an oncology nurse, and a representative from PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network). The webinar follows a few case studies in various points in their cancer journey and potential treatments. Information about resources and advocacy groups are given. There is also a question and answer session.
The NCCN patient resources also include materials to assist with the many challenges that cancer presents. Many links are provided for various support and advocacy issues. Results can be filtered by disease or by a specific challenge such as financial needs, caregiver support, or fertility support. Patients can access information about clinical trials.
Printable materials are available on immunotherapy side effects and the COVID-19 vaccine for patients with cancer. Patients can visit the Reimbursement Resource Room at NCCN.org/reimbursement. Patients can find an NCCN cancer center. Resources can be filtered by disease, supportive care indication, drug, or specific reimbursement program.
The NCCN resources are all free. You can feel assured that your patients are getting accurate and up-to-date information. These resources can supplement the education that you provide to patients and guide your patient discussions.
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