Patient Navigation
Telehealth Access
The Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County is pleased to offer telemedicine appointment hosting for clients. Among those facing cancer in our rural county, we know that not everyone has access at home to the internet or the proper equipment to connect to a telemedicine appointment. We can help!
There are many advantages to having a medical appointment using telehealth, such as savings in travel time and cost. Preparing for the appointment by writing down questions and having information ready that the doctor is likely to ask for, can help the appointment go well.
The Cancer Resource Centers has now hosted 70+ telemedicine appointments in our offices for cancer patients who are not able to connect from home or need technical support. Telemedicine hosting is just one service provided by the Cancer Resource Centers.
The Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County is a pioneer in cancer patient navigation.
CPRS stands for consultation planning, recording, and summarizing. It was developed through community-based research done right here in Mendocino County in conjunction with UCSF.
When cancer patients first make contact with the Cancer Resource Centers, they may be overwhelmed by the news that they have cancer and worries are swirling in their mind. We start right there. What are your biggest concerns right now? What do you need to know?
We help people make a list of questions to give to their oncologist, then go with them to audio record and take notes. We help them sort their issues into groups: some people need help understanding their insurance; some people need to know about options for help with treatment-related costs such as co-pays; some want advice on how to tell their family and friends. Breaking the complexity down into smaller parts and sorting it into a plan helps most people feel more in control.
The Cancer Resource Centers’ process of helping people create a plan early in their diagnosis is called CPRS, which stands for Consultation Planning, Recording, and Summarizing. The CPRS method was refined right here in Mendocino County through community-based research that CRC conducted with UCSF under the leadership of Executive Director Emeritus Sara O’Donnell, Dr. Jeff Belkora, and others. One of the findings of the research was that having a plan increased patient confidence, reduced anxiety, and helped cancer patients feel more in control of their care.
consultation planning
CRC patient navigators are trained to help you discern your most important questions. Before you go to the doctor, your navigator will help you make a list of your questions. You will go to your doctor’s appointment with a plan for what you want to ask and what you need to know.
consultation recording
CRC patient navigators will go with you to your local cancer-related medical appointments to audio record and take notes. You will receive a recording on CD or flash drive to listen to later. You do not need to worry about remembering everything you hear during your appointment.
consultation summarizing
Following your medical appointment, our patient navigators will write up a brief summary of what occurred at the appointment, including information about your diagnosis, treatment options and next steps.