FOCUS Colorectal cancer program spotlights world-class cancer care
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Clinical News Christiana Care leads national colorectal cancer study
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Living better with COPD
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New screening trial for early stage lung cancer
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New leadership at Occupational Health and Wellness Services
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“Speak easy” support group helps after laryngectomy 10 General News Employee Engagement
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new Colorectal Cancer Program that will provide world-class colorectal cancer care services, is launching now at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care. The program—the only one in Delaware and one of a few in the region—offers patients the latest treatments and benefits of cuttingedge research and A new colorectal cancer research program is catalyzing brings together cancer translational research at the Helen F. Graham Cancer care experts at Center. Above, Project Leader Bruce Boman, M.D., Christiana Care and Ph.D., works in the Center for Translational Cancer area organizations. “The Colorectal Cancer Research with post-doctoral fellow Lynn M. Opdenaker. program is an example of Christiana Care taking a leadership cer deaths. There were 2,300 cases of role to do more to address this discolorectal cancer diagnosed in ease,” says Nicholas J. Petrelli, M.D., Delaware between 2001 and 2005. Bank of America endowed medical Spurring growth and awareness director of the Helen F. Graham The new Colorectal Cancer Program Cancer Center. “We offer a wealth of will spur growth and public awareexpertise in colorectal cancer screenness of the cornerstones of cancer care ing, prevention, treatment and at the Helen F. Graham Cancer research. Center, with clinical/surgical expertise In 2009, more than 140,000 new cases in colorectal cancer prevention, diagof colorectal cancer and 50,000 deaths nosis and treatment. A unique feature occurred in the U.S., according to the is the Rectal/Anal Cancer National Cancer Institute. In Multidisciplinary Center. Delaware, colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and The new program also strengthens our the third most common cause of canCONTINUED,
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leadership role and widens opportunities for national chemotherapy and radiation oncology clinical trials, says Dr. Petrelli. These opportunities include studies sponsored by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), as well as those conducted at the Center for Translational Cancer Research (CTCR) in cooperation with the University of Delaware, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, and Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. More opportuntities for research Project Leader Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., director of Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Biology at the CTCR, sees broader opportunities for translational research. “The Colorectal Cancer Program catalyzes the CTCR’s ability to conduct colon cancer stem cell research aimed at finding curative treatments, while potentially doubling the number of active research protocols through new collaborations and increased accruals,” he says. Dr. Boman is the institutional principal investigator for the APTIUM GI Consortium, an elite group of institutions collaborating to accelerate research in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, and he is the protocol chair for the upcoming national colon cancer prevention trial through the NSABP. Other key areas to benefit from the new Colorectal Cancer rogram include: n The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center’s leading cancer genetics program and High Risk Family Registry. n The tumor registry for clinical research on hereditary cancers. n An advanced program in colon cancer stem cell research at the CTCR. n Tissue procurement of colorectal tis2
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Clinical trial studies cholesterol drug’s potential to prevent recurring colorectal cancer
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he Helen F. Graham Cancer Center is leading a national clinical trial to determine if Crestor, a cholesterol- lowering statin, can prevent new colon tumors from forming after patients have had surgery to remove a Stage I or II colon cancer. Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., director of Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Biology at the Helen F Graham Cancer Center Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program and the Center for Translational Cancer Research (CTCR), is protocol chair for this National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) study. “Previous epidemiological studies looking back at patient records associated statin use with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, but the evidence remains controversial,” Dr. Boman says. “Earlier studies were designed to
sue samples for translational cancer research and other studies such as the NIH Cancer Genome Atlas Project. Key components in the design and development of the new program are the scientists in the CTCR, Cancer Genetics and the High Risk Family Cancer Registry, the Christiana Care Section of Colorectal Surgery, the Department of Pathology, the Department of Medicine section of Gastroenterology & Medical
Christiana Care is leading a national trial to determine whether Crestor (rosuvastatin), a commonly prescribed drug for treating cholesterol problems, helps prevent recurrence of colon tumors.
Oncology, the Department of Radiation Oncology, and Community Outreach and Education. Dr. Boman chairs the Colorectal Cancer Program Steering Committee. Members include Zohra Ali-Khan Catts, MS, CGC, Fred Denstman, M.D., Michael Guarino, M.D., Patrick Grusenmeyer, Sc.D., FACHE, Mary Iacocca, M.D., Marciana Filippone, M.D., Nora Katurakes, RN, OCN, Christopher Koprowski, M.D., and Timothy Wozniak, M.D.
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investigate lipid-lowering or cardiovascular endpoints over the short-term rather than tumor development in the long run.� The new NSABP P-5-Crestor trial takes a prospective look at patients surgically treated for colorectal cancer who are at high risk for new colon tumors. Dr. Boman points out that following surgery, these patients have a 50-percent chance of developing new tumors within three years.
Formulary Update
The study will accrue 1,740 patients nationally within 50 months from trial activation and continue for an additional five years. Participants are randomized to receive either Crestor or a placebo. In addition, investigators will stratify participants with a family history of colorectal cancer and those who take a daily low or high dose of aspirin. Previous studies indicate a relationship between non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, and statin drugs like Crestor. Further evidence of this synergistic effect could support reducing doses to improve the risk/benefits of these two types of drugs. For more information about cancer clinical trials, contact Cancer Research at 302-623-4450.
First Pulmonary Rehabilitation class sets the pace for COPD patients to live better quality lives First graduating class Members of the first class to graduate a new 12week pulmonary rehabilitation course offered by Christiana Care include, from left (standing), Marie O’Connor, Sal Desiderio, Kathryn Schreiner, Sally Shirey, Lorraine Kent, and (seated), Sophie Hershey and Stephen Wood.
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new outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program from Christiana Care Health System just graduated its first class. The program can help stabilize and even improve the symptoms of chronic lung disease, including shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, anxiety and depression. “Pulmonary rehabilitation attempts to return you to your highest level of physical functioning through education, exercise and functional activities,” says Tom Dunlop, MBA, exercise and fitness technician with Christiana Care’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation team at Eugene DuPont Preventive Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute (PMRI). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema, chronic bron-
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chitis or asthma are considered candidates for the program. Also, patients with spinal deformities or a restrictive lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis or other conditions which have a negative impact on breathing may qualify. The program meets twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for 12 weeks. Most major medical plans provide reimbursement for pulmonary rehabilitation services at 80 percent, though there may be some out-of-pocket expenses depending on your plan. A physician referral is required to enroll in the program. For more information, call PMRI at 302-661-3300.
Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday fosters health awareness
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ohna Adams and her family attend a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration every year. This year’s event held at the Wilmington Riverfront on Jan. 18 was their first in Delaware. Adams was impressed with the free health screenings and information on healthy lifestyles available from Christiana Care staff at the event. Nurses from Christiana Care took Adam’s blood pressure and performed a cholesterol test.
Yohna Adams (right) was among the many people who took advantage of free health screenings offered by Christiana Care’s Community Outreach at the Wilmington Riverfront Jan. 18.
Adams’ nieces and nephews learned about the dangers of They performed screenings on 73 peosmoking and what ple for cholesterol, blood sugar, blood can happen to your pressure and cancer assessment. Fifty body if you have asthpeople had their body mass indexes ma and smoke. calculated. Participants receive a summary of their results to share with Christiana Care’s Community Outreach team and members of the their primary care physicians. Exercise Services and Nutrition staff “I always make time for the wellness were among the Christiana Care part of the day, because taking care of health professionals providing your health is so important,” she says. services. Her father also took advantage of the free screening opportunities. And,
The annual day of celebration provides entertaining, educational, family-oriented and health-related activities. It is one of many community events where staff from Christiana Care offer free health screenings and information to our neighbors.
Redden-Huffs siblings receive Black Achievers honors
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elaware Black Achiever Awards Program nominees and Christiana Care employees Jineen Redden-Huff, RN II, Post Anesthesia, and Sterilization Service Technician Robert ReddenHuff, Clinical Engineering, received honors this year from the "Black Achievers in Business and Industry Awards" program. The program is a tradition, entering its 22nd year, in which African American achievers nominated from participating companies are honored for their commitment to serve as mentors and role models for African American youth.The brother and sister honorees are volunteering time on Saturday mornings to help develop and mentor high school students participating in the program.
Jineen Redden-Huff, RN II and her brother, Robert Redden-Huff were nominated for2009 Delaware Black Achiever Awards.
Call for Nominees: 2010 Spirit of Women Awards
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ardening is wonderful therapy for the soul and great exercise for the body.
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oin Christiana Care and Spirit of Women in celebrating the talent and dedication of women who devote themselves to making their communities healthier, safer and more inspirational places for women. Nominate them for a 2010 Spirit of Women Award! The Spirit of Women Awards focus on celebrating unrecognized individuals making an impact on women’s health, with winners selected based on contributions they make to their communities through their work and service activities. Winners come from three categories: Young Person Role Model (Ages 14-21) Nominees may be lacking in life experience, but they more than make up for it with intensity. They organize or participate in a group that shares information, material goods, education, entertainment or inspiration with the people who need them in their home, their school or their community. Community Hero (Must be at least 21) Nominees take the initiative when they see room for improvement or when they recognize a need that is not being met in the community. They work to make a positive change for
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Garden for Life
the good of their community. Health care Hero (Clinical professional) By the very nature of their work, health care providers are supposed to have attributes that set them apart from most other people. These nominees shine brighter than others through the care given to their job, even when a myriad of demands and commitments are swirling around them. Winners will be recognized by Christiana Care at an event on Tuesday, April 27 at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center at Christiana Hospital. Winners also will be submitted for national consideration by Spirit of Women. Nominations are due by Friday, March 26 – submit your nominees via the Portal at inet/externalaffairs/ spiritofwomen.html.
But gardening tasks—such as digging, pulling, lifting, kneeling, raking, reaching and carrying—can injure the body. To help gardeners prepare for a long and fruitful growing season, Christiana Care has teamed up with the Delaware Center for Horticulture to present “Garden for Life: Protect your hips, knees and back,” an evening seminar on preventing and remedying the pain caused by gardening tasks. The program is on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Delaware Center for Horticulture at 1810 N. DuPont Street in Wilmington’s Trolley Square neighborhood. Lorin Lyons, a physical therapist with Christiana Care’s Physical Therapy PLUS, and James Rubano, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with the Center for Advanced Joint Replacement at Christiana Care, will teach stretching and strength-building therapies that prevent pain and strain–and talk about surgical options that can remedy chronic pain. Want to learn to garden safely from a team of health and gardening professionals? Register for Garden for Life online at www.christianacare.org or call 800693-CARE. Admission is free.
Upcoming events Organizers for National Nurses Week in May are challenging all creative, interested nurses to answer the fifth annual Critiquing A Research Article, Tell It In A Poster! contest, an opportunity for nurses to practice essential research skills while showcasing evidence in support of our science. Register now via the Ed Center for workshops on mentoring nurses in research critique skills and professional visual presentation. Open to all nurses. Workshop participation not required. Eighth Annual Delaware Sports Medicine Symposium at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, Saturday, Feb. 13. Features local sports medicine physicians lecturing on preventing and treating sports injuries and how to upgrade the level of care they provide to the athletes. Contact 302- 479-5515 or emaildelfamdoc@comcast.net. Physician Relations workshops (all at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center):
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o you need a mammogram? Is it time for you to schedule your first or follow-up mammogram? Christiana Care Health System's patient navigators help make it easy for you to receive these important screening services. Patient navigators can assist you in a number of ways— scheduling your appointment, finding transportation, and even helping to find funding if needed. Our Pink Ribbon Program offers special appointments on the second
n Feb. 22, “The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Treating Dental Patients,” with presenter Joseph Spera, D.M.D., and “Head & Neck Sequelae of Childhood Cancer Treatment,” with Kendra S. Schaeffer, D.M.D. n Feb. 26. n “Bloodborne Pathogens,” required annual training for all workers with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Fee $20 per person, $35 per office. Bagged lunch provided. Registration available through the Education Center. Call Physician Relations at 302-733-1961 email cklecko@christianacare.org to request additional information.
Clinical Pearls Day at Medical Grand Rounds, Thursday, March 4, at 8 a.m. in the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center auditorium, with video transmission to Room 8119, Wilmington Hospital. The 2010 Christiana Care Delaware Marathon Running Festival Sunday,
Tuesday and third Thursday of each month at Wilmington Hospital, 501 W. 14th St., Wilmington. Bilingual Spanish/English speaking navigators are available to assist you with scheduling your mammogram, and be with you during your screening. Call 302-623-4746 today to schedule your mammogram or for more information. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Philadelphia affiliate helps fund the bilingual navigator program.
May 16, Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington, includes Delaware’s oldest and largest certified road-running marathon, a certified half-marathon, and a four-person team relay marathon. See www.delawaremarathon.org. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Center for Heart & Vascular Health. The 14th Annual Diabetes Update Saturday, March 20, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center for physicians, RNs, NPs, dieticians, physician assistants, ophthalmologists and others. Fee: $70, $35 for students and emeritus. Register online and download a program under Events & Classes on physician, nursing and physcician office staff portals. Trauma Program hosts the 10th ThinkFirst 5K and 1K Children's Fun Run on April 15 to support community injury prevention efforts. Register at www.races2run.com.
Trial of new lung cancer screening could advance early detection
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esearchers at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center taking part in a phase II and phase III clinical trial could help launch a potentially key diagnostic test for early stage lung cancer. Christiana Care is recruiting lung cancer patients to the trial who have been diagnosed but have not yet received any other therapy to participate in the test, which uses a molecular marker that binds to cancer cells and fluoresces red under ultraviolet light. “This trial has the potential of developing a useful alternative to invasive needle biopsy or bronchoscopy, which are currently used to establish the diagnosis of lung cancer,” says Dr. Bauer, principal investigator. “If accurate, this method could be used to diagnosis other cancers.” Dr. Bauer, chief of thoracic surgery at the Graham Cancer Center, has led
several lung and esophageal cancer studies, including the Christiana Care site research for the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project at Christiana Care. Biomoda Inc., maker of the diagnostic test called CyPath® says the data from Christiana Care should complete the pilot phase of the study. “Christiana Care is a national role model for both patient care and cancer research,” says Biomoda President John Cousins. “We could not ask for a better partner.” Biomoda is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval of its cytology-based screening technology as a class III medical device. Christiana Care’s Institutional Review Board reviewed the study to ensure compliance with scientific, regulatory and ethical standards. For more information or referrals, call 302-623-4450.
More Christiana Care Sleep Centers earn accreditation
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hree more Christiana Care Health System sleep centers— Brandywine, Springside and Smyrna—received full accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The technician education program at Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington Campus, was also granted AASM accreditation.
NCI Web site features Christiana Care
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National Cancer Institute (NCI) Web site features a video about Christiana Care’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. The Web site is for NCI’s Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG®), a vast information network enabling all constituencies in the cancer community—researchers, physicians and patients—to share data and knowledge to accelerate the discovery of new approaches for the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes. 8
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Christiana Care, a member of NCI’s Community Cancer Center Program, uses caBIG to foster research among different departments and multiple institutions. The site also highlights cancer programs at Baylor College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Intermountain Health and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Link to the NCI video about the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center from In the News at www.christianacare.org
Rosemary Ellis named director of M-D Staff Services
Rosemary Ellis, RN, MSN
Occupational Health and Wellness Services welcomes new directors
Ray Breswick
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osemary Ellis, RN, MSN, is the new director of Medical-Dental Staff Services. She is moving up to a director’s post, overseeing the Medical-Dental Staff Services and Physician Relations offices, after serving as manager of Patient Safety and Accreditation. In her new role, she reports to the chief medical officer and to Sharon Anderson, senior vice president, Quality and Patient Safety. Ellis’ extensive health care experience includes managing inpatient nursing units and outpatient programming, and serving as director of Quality and Patient Safety responsible for Medical Staff Services, Risk Management and several other programs at the Medical University of South Carolina. “This new position facilitates collaboration and integration of programs and services in what was previously two distinct departments, Credentialling and Physician Relations, to better serve our physician community,” says James
Newman, Chief Medical Officer. “I am delighted to welcome Rosemary to this new Directorship." Ellis has a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Regis University, Colorado.
Carine Sakr, M.D.
After laryngectomy, patients get peer support at Center for Rehabilitation’s monthly ‘speak easy’
From left, Marian Parrish, Gene Broderick, George Schack at Charlie Conforti discuss living with the postop realities of laryngectomy
Christiana Care speech-language pathologists Janet Sechrist and Jen Thomas react to a funny story from patient Barbara Hayes.
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ene Broderick feels validated each time she attends the Blue Hen Speak Easy laryngectomy support group, Delaware’s only support group dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have lost their natural voices because of cancer or other causes.
March 18: Marthy Czymmek, MS, RD, LDN, presents “Better Nutrition for a Healthier You.” April 15: Mandy Pietrapaolo showcases various laryngectomy products. May 21: Christiana Care Speech Pathology presents “How to Care for your Stoma.”
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Outlet for discussion
“In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.”
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imely, individualized, specific and sincere recognition of a job well done supports a culture of appreciation. We all can contribute to this environment by praising our peers and colleagues verbally, with electronic or paper Diamonds, and by sharing our observation of excellence with our management team. We role model our core value of service through consistently recognizing each other for our accomplishments and contributions, reinforcing our focus on excellence.
What can you do? n Use the Recognition web site for tips and recognition ideas (available on left-hand side of the Portals). n Recognize a peer or colleague each time you observe him or her providing exceptional service. Be genuine and sincere. n Be specific about the behavior observed, including what service was provided, how it was received and the benefit to the patient, team, or Christiana Care. n
Recognize contributions that exceed expectations
and contribute to a culture of excellence. n During hand-off of patients, share with patients the unique talents of the co-worker providing their care.
“My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.”
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n the work place, “caring” is defined as “setting each person up for success.” A productive workplace is one in which people feel safe—safe to share information, support each other, and give each other the “benefit of the doubt.” For this to happen, we all need to feel cared about. Find ways to let your coworkers know that you care about their success. Relationships are the glue that holds great work places together. What can you do? n Say out loud to others, “I care about your success.” Encourage and support your new co-workers as they attempt to learn their new roles and responsibilities. n Get to know your colleagues so you can support each when in need.
Ask a new team member or someone temporarily assigned to your department to lunch. n
Check in on each other, particularly in times of high volume or work load. n
Provide honest and consistent feedback regarding your colleagues’ performance. n
Recognize achievements and successes of coworkers with electronic or paper Diamonds. n
Remember to say “thank you” when a colleague encourages and supports you. n
When we show our colleagues that we care about them, and recognize them for doing good work, we contribute to making Christiana Care a Great Place to Work.
Rotary supports VNA Special Needs Fund
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he Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club’s gift of $1,000 supports our Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association’s Special Needs Fund. The fund provides one-time assistance to patients with essential medical or nonmedical items, such as medications, therapeutic mattresses to help protect sensitive skin or shower benches to help avoid bathroom slips and falls, which otherwise would not be available to the patient. Sometimes, it might even make the difference between the need for further care at a hospital or other institution versus staying well and at home. For more information about VNA’s Special Needs Fund, call Rhonda Combs at 302-327-5200, or, if you would like to make a gift to the VNA Special Needs Fund, please call Christiana Care’s Development office at 302-327-3305.
Ray Hopkins, Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club Grant Committee chair (right), presented a check for $1,000 to VNA social worker Judy Applegate-Zager, MSW.