Image: NCCN Policy Summit on Workplace Accommodation for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers
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Credit: NCCN
Washington DC [June 17, 2022] — National Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Today we held the Oncology Policy Summit in Washington, DC, with the theme of building a workplace that includes support for cancer patients and their caregivers. The program also features a virtual attendance option, investigating how workplace norms and expectations have changed in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also looked at current legal and policy conditions, as well as how alternation of generations and an increase in the number of cancer survivors in the workforce have led to cultural change across the United States.
“We ensure high quality and equitable care for all patients and their caregivers, and employers, payers, providers, and healthcare to meet their needs with minimal interruptions in work and income. We need a collaborative and flexible approach from the system. ” John Sweetenham, MD, FRCP, FACP, FASCO, Chair, NCCN Board, and Professor of Medicine, Deputy Director of Clinical Affairs, UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.. “The pandemic has brought new interest in transforming virtual cancer treatments and interventions such as home infusions of cancer treatments. Since COVID, we have been hiring as our homes have become more people’s workplaces. And we need vacation benefits, and regulatory policies that allow us to support patients at home. “
Panelist Rebecca V. Nellis, MPP, Executive Director, Cancer and Careers We shared the results of the 2021 Cancerand Careers / Harris Poll Survey. 74% of hired patients and survivors reported that working during treatment helped or helped them, and 75% of the patients and survivors surveyed helped with work assistance or treatment and recovery. Said that.
“There are many misunderstandings about working after a cancer diagnosis,” Nellis explained. “Employers may think that people don’t want to work, can’t work, or it’s expensive to provide accommodation, and accommodating one person means making a difference for all employees. Hmm. The truth is that working after a cancer diagnosis is more than possible. Access to guidance and supportive workplace policies makes it easier. But it also makes treatment plans, personal needs. It is a very personal decision with many factors to consider, such as preferences, disclosure and privacy considerations, type of work, company and team culture, etc. “
“It’s good for both when the employer does the right thing by the patient and his family, especially those facing cancer,” he said. Debbie Weir, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Support Community.. “It is important for employers to keep employee needs centered when making benefits decisions. Limiting or limiting access to timely, quality care to reduce coverage costs is important. It’s not good for the patient or the company. “
Keynote speaker Lynn Zonakis, BA, BSN, Principal, Zonakis ConsultingFormer Managing Director of Health Strategy and Resources at Delta also touched on how fostering a supportive atmosphere benefits employers.
“It is not only right, but ultimately, to provide services to manage cancer and support employee and dependent illness, related leave, return to work, mental health, survival, and end of life. Will reduce costs, “Zonakis said.
“Business leaders at all levels should be empowered to support their employees,” he agreed. Angela Misriwick, Senior Medical Director, Wellmed, Maryland.
Notification to employers and employees
The speaker investigated some of the knowledge gaps and misunderstandings. This can lead to a poor experience for everyone. Employers do not always know what support their employees need, and employees often do not know all the resources available.
“Employers and payers may not know how to deal with difficult employee questions or what they can do to direct them to trusted resources that support informed and wise decision making. .. Warren Smedley, DSc (Candidate), MSHA, MSHQS, Kinetix Group Vice President.. “NCCN has been working hard to develop the NCCN Employer Toolkit, which uses the most responsible resources for employers who may be affected by cancer, as well as strategies and tactics to support the highest quality care. A reliable source of information to help with prioritization. Diagnosis of their workers. “
“It is very important for individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers to understand all of their employment rights and available benefits, so that they are informed about their best path. You can make decisions based on that. ” Joanna Fawzy Morales, Esq. , Chief Executive Officer, Triage Cancer, Gave another keynote on policy prospects to assist patients, survivors and caregivers in the workplace. “Federal and state employment protection exists, but there is a significant lack of awareness of those protections. There are also gaps in the laws that patients and caregivers can fail. The lives of patients and their families. There are many opportunities to fill these gaps in order to improve the quality of the disease and reduce the economic toxicity of cancer diagnosis. “
Fair care
Many speakers focused on health issues and how they relate to workplace practices.
“Exploring opportunities for a more comprehensive workplace and available to all cancer patients, survivors and caregivers builds trust, informed care, and susceptibility to health inequalities / literacy. It helps. ” Randy Jones, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Professor of Nursing, Vice Dean of Nursing Partner Development and Engagement, University of Virginia.. “Clinicians need to provide simple, non-judgmental information with little or no medical terminology while interacting with patients, which allows patients and caregivers to be themselves or their loved ones. Understand what is happening in medical care. Strengthening racial and ethnic diversity in the oncological workforce potentially strengthens the relationship between patients and care providers, as well as cancer patients. It is important to improve the fairness of the care that we receive. “
Panel member Fran Castellow, MSEd, President, Operations, Patient Advocate Foundation It was part of a conversation about profit design and the role of policy makers. Speakers also referred to data showing that productivity (and ultimately retention) increases when employees have timely access to quality care, screening, and treatment.
Summit feature Dr. Clifford Goodman, Lewin GroupAs a moderator. NCCN CEO Robert W. Carlson, MDWhile introducing the program NCCN Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer Wui-Jin Koh, MD Provided a closing idea.
The NCCN Policy Program will host the following summits September 16, 2022Focuses on reducing the burden of cancer through prevention and early detection.visit NCCN.org/summit Join the conversation using hashtags for more information #NCCNPolicy..
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About the National Cancer Network
National Cancer Network® ((((NCCN®) Is a non-profit alliance Major Cancer Centers Dedicated to patient care, research and education. The NCCN is dedicated to improving and promoting quality, effective, equitable and accessible cancer treatments so that all patients can lead a better life. NCCN Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN guidelines®) Provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and support services. They are recognized standards of clinical direction and policy in cancer management and are the most thorough and frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in all areas of medicine. The NCCN guidelines for patients® Provides information and professional cancer treatment information to empower patients and caregivers through support from NCCN Foundation®.. NCCN also progresses Continuing education, Global Initiative, policyAnd investigation collaboration When Publication In oncology. For more information, please visit NCCN.org and follow NCCN on Facebook@NCCNorg.Instagram @NCCNorg, And Twitter @NCCN..
