REAL Connections Is a Simple Communication Framework to Help Engage Cancer Patients.
Builds Rapport. Conveys Empathy. Ensures Alignment. Supports Learning.
The program is built to be flexible, so healthcare teams can utilize all elements of the program or simply choose the pieces that help meet their needs. The framework has 3 main components:
Partnering for Education
Optimizes current education efforts by leveraging simple-to-use strategies and tools to help care teams identify when additional education is needed
includes
- Overview Guide
- Core Questions for Engagement Guide
- Patient Question Prompt List
Supporting Patient Goals
Assists care teams in better understanding what is important to the patient at the start of treatment and throughout the course of care
includes
- Overview Guide
- Core Questions for Engagement Guide
- Patient Goal Worksheet
Shared Expectations
Supports better outcomes with tools and resources that help bridge the communication gap and better align patients and care teams across the continuum
includes
- Overview Guide
- Core Questions for Engagement Guide
- Patient Support Sheet
Care Team-Facing tools include
Overview Guides explaining the rationale for each component
Core Questions for Engagement Guides with tips for enhanced patient communication
Patient-Facing tools are designed to
Help support the patient throughout the care continuum and can be leveraged for patient engagement between visits
To facilitate effective patient engagement in cancer care.
Communication gaps and ineffective processes to engage cancer patients create real issues in cancer care.
40-80% of the information patients receive during office visits is forgotten immediately and nearly half of the information retained is incorrect.1
73% of healthcare providers reported that a lack of systemic process to incorporate the patient voice was the greatest barrier to patient engagement.2,*
Over 30% of oncology patients from a 2015 CancerCare survey responded that they sometimes or often did not report symptoms or side effects because they did not want to “bother” their doctor.3
THE BENEFITS
The REAL Connections program makes evidence-based communication possible in today’s cancer setting. Benefits include:
Relevant
Aligns with key oncology quality improvement initiatives
Simple
Translates more complex communication strategies into easy-to-use tools that can be integrated into existing workflows
Customizable
Choose the tools that are most helpful for you and your patients
For more information on the REAL Connections program, please inquire via e-mail: REALConnections@bms.com.
DOWNLOAD NOW
You can begin using REAL Connections immediately. Simply download the REAL Connections Program Guide with all the tools and resources you need to get started.
*Result from The Patient Engagement Survey: Measuring What Matters and Capturing the Patient Voice was conducted by NEJM Catalyst, powered by the NEJM Catalyst Insights Council.
- In May 2017, an online survey was sent to the NEJM Catalyst Insights Council
- A total of 774 completed surveys are included in the analysis
References:
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Health literacy universal precautions toolkit, 2nd ed. Use the teach-back method: Tool #5.
- NEJM Catalyst. Measuring what matters and capturing the patient’s voice. Roundtable report.
- CancerCare. Patient Access & Engagement Report. New York, NY: CancerCare; 2016.
REAL Connections materials with the Oncology Nursing Society Seal of Approval logo contain content that is consistent with the Oncology Nursing Society Standards and Guidelines. The ONS Seal of Approval does not constitute medical advice, and does not imply product endorsement by ONS. Healthcare providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment. Website content or other resources referenced in these materials have not been reviewed for the ONS Seal of Approval.
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