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Oncology Team Resiliency

To help members of the cancer care team better manage stress and improve their overall well-being, ACCC 2021-22 President Krista Nelson—and several special guests—hosted a virtual Mindfulness Meditation series. Through meditation, we cultivate an awareness of the present moment and train the mind to better understand how and why we think and feel the way we do.
View Meditations

Results from Mini Z Burnout Survey

To gauge the level of burnout in the multidisciplinary cancer care team, ACCC surveyed its membership in 2019 using the clinically validated Mini Z survey developed by the American Medical Association. While only a small number of respondents (14.9%) report dissatisfaction with their current job, burnout and stress levels are significant.

Download Survey Infographic

Cancer Buzz Podcast

[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 74: The Business Case for Hiring Oncology Social Workers Jan 18, 2022

Hear from ACCC 2021-2022 President, Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, as she talks about two new resources (a business case brief for hiring and a benchmarking survey) coming from ACCC that demonstrate the value oncology social workers play in cancer care.
[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 71: Leading with Gratitude Nov 23, 2021

In this special podcast episode, we talk with oncology social worker and ACCC President Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, about finding opportunities to practice gratitude each day for colleagues and patients.
[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 68: Supportive Care in Radiation Oncology Sep 21, 2021
Early in the pandemic, members of the Stanford Health Care Radiation Oncology Department created an internal podcast for their department to creatively address the need for connections among onsite and remote staff, acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll of caring for patients during this challenging time, and support the well-being and mental health for oncology staff.
[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 67: Coping with Pandemic Grief Sep 14, 2021
In this special podcast episode, we talk with oncology social worker and ACCC President Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, about the overwhelming grief of the pandemic and its toll on cancer care professionals.
[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 64: A Summer of Disconnect for Cancer Professionals Jul 20, 2021
In this episode, we focus on the mental and emotional toll that COVID-19 continues to have on cancer care professionals—while much of the public experiences a “summer of joy” due to rising vaccinations.
[MINI-PODCAST] Ep 14: COVID-19 Self-Care Mar 31, 2020

Krista Nelson, ACCC President 2021-22, shares self-care resources for cancer team members during the COVID-19 outbreak and guides us through a brief mindfulness exercise.
[PODCAST] Ep 02: Fostering Cancer Care Team Resiliency & Well-Being Jul 31, 2019
Learn how organizations like Vidant Health and The Outer Banks Hospital are creating a healthier, more rewarding workplace by making employee wellness a strategic priority.

From the ACCCBuzz Blog

Revolutionizing Oncology: The Center for Practice Transformation and Integration
April 24, 2024
Discover highlights from the Oncology Practice Transformation and Integration Center preconference at #AMCCBS.
Addressing Challenges in EHR Integration
April 03, 2024
ACCCBuzz engaged in a discussion Josiah Allen, PharmD, a clinical pharmacogenomic pharmacist and Jake Barnes, an IS application manager, both from St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky, focused on the obstacles encountered in integrating a biomarker testing add-on module in their EHR.
ACCC & Inova Schar Cancer Institute Meet with Swedish Delegates
By Molly Kisiel, MSN, FNP-BC
March 14, 2024
Explore key takeaways from a meeting between ACCC, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and delegates from the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.
#AMCCBS: The Future, Empathy, & Deep Dives
March 05, 2024
Highlights from the second day of the ACCC 50th Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit (#AMCCBS).
Building a Precision Medicine Team: EHR Integration for Timely Biomarker Testing
February 26, 2024
ACCCBuzz spoke with the co-directors of a precision medicine Initiative at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania about their work in building a team to champion EHR integration to support precision medicine.

From Oncology Issues

Integrating Discrete Genomic Data with an EHR Improves Patient Care Provider Satisfaction and Program Metrics
By Karen Huelsman, MS, LGC, et al.

In addition to facilitating faster ordering and resulting of genomic testing, genomic integration with an EHR also led to streamlined workflow, reduced time to access results, and greater efficiency in clinical decisions for TriHealth.
Cultivating Strong Teams in Oncology Care
By Mark Liu

In the dynamic, everchanging world of oncology, developing the strength of the multidisciplinary care team is paramount.
Legacy of Upskilling: Building the Future of Oncology Care
An Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist Role Helps This Cancer Program Reach New Heights
By Samantha Skubish and Kimberly Smith

Learn how the creation of the first advanced practice radiation therapist role in the United States helped Mount Sinai establish a new model of inpatient care by elevating the radiation therapy skill set.
Examining Health Care Workforce Needs in Hawaii
Stephanie Helbling

ACCC partnered with the Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology to conduct a landscape analysis of current regional activities, barriers, and interventions around the health care workforce shortage in Hawaii.
Issues: Chemotherapy Drug Shortages Result in Access Challenges and Difficult Choices
By Nicole Tapay, JD

The shortage of chemotherapy drugs is placing a considerable burden on cancer care providers. To end this, ACCC is working its members, as well as other provider and patient advocacy organizations, to identify potential policy solutions.
Investing in Our Oncology Workforce
By Olalekan Ajayi, PharmD, MBA

To overcome the challenges facing the oncology workforce, cancer programs and centers must reimagine their care model with a focus on investing in a workforce that is equipped and ready to provide quality patient care.
Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics Solution Transforms Infusion Center Operations
By Maddelynne Parker and Chidi Ike

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Monument Health Cancer Care Institute leveraged a technology solution to improve infusion center efficiency, increase revenue, and reduce patient wait times.
Delivery of Psychosocial Cancer Centers Care in Oncology Summit

Backed by strategic partnerships, ACCC held a multistakeholder meeting focused on exploring the current state of psychosocial support in oncology.
Community-Based Psychological First Aid for Oncology Professionals
Sam Gaster, MA; Christina Early, MSW; Amanda Reed, PhD; and Brandon Gray, MA

Training in community-based psychological first aid is a promising intervention that promotes adaptive functioning by instilling individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support oneself and others when stressful events occur.
A Psychological First Aid Program in the COVID-19 Era
Amanda Patton, MA

Although community-based psychological first aid training is most often provided to prepare for front-line emergencies, Avera Cancer Institute recognized the potential for this training to help foster a culture of resilience and mutual support.
Improving the Culture of Your Cancer Center, One Idea at a Time
Kevin Dryanski, MBA, et al.

This cancer program needed to build an organizational and operational structure that would support change and encourage adoption and growth. The answer: the Daily Improvement Program.
Views: Mentoring Those New to Oncology
Kerri Michalik, MHA, BSN

In my breakout session at the 37th ACCC [Virtual] National Oncology Conference, held Sept. 14-18, 2020, I shared that mentorship is often the missing link to facing these staffing challenges.
Technology and the Ideal Future State of Oncology
David R. Penberthy, MD, MBA

Dr. Penberthy's final Tech Talk as ACCC President was attended by more than 40 members, as speakers discussed the impact of big data and artificial intelligence.
Best Processes for Development of a Successful Cardio-Oncology Program in a Community Hospital
Ranju Gupta, Deborah W. Sundlöf, Chun Ting Siu, Kelly C. Schadler, Hannah Cooper, Simi Rai, Kailyn Mann, Janine Barnaby, Cheri A. Silverstein Fadlon, Paul S. Corotto, Nadeem V. Ahmad, and Ronald Freudenberger

Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa., successfully developed a cardio-oncology program designed to implement best practices and guideline-based care, which resulted in an average growth in patient volume of 50 percent per year.
Summit Explores Role of Oncology Advanced Practitioners in Equitable Cancer Care Delivery

Learn the 10 feasible and impactful “how-tos” Summit participants identified within three domains—care coordination and communication, clinical trials, and acknowledging and mitigating implicit bias.
President: Recapping the 2018 ACCC Institute for the Future of Oncology
Tom Gallo

On June 27, 2018, ACCC convened the sixth Institute for the Future of Oncology forum in Washington, D.C., to bring together interdisciplinary experts and key stakeholders to discuss my Presidential theme: “Reflect, Renew, Reignite: Creating a Resilient Oncology Team in Your Community.”
Views: Making the Most out of Drug Representatives
Connie Renfroe

Medical science representatives possess critical information about new drug regimens, protocols, and indications. However, scheduling them often requires a part-time position that few practices can afford—it’s a catch-22.
One Best Practice: Streamlining Workflow, Unifying Staff, and Reducing Redundancy
Elizabeth Koelker, MHA, FACHE

When Kettering Health Network reorganized its operations by service lines, oncology had major problems—internal competition, communication deficits, inefficiencies, and a lack of infrastructure. Learn how Kettering united its oncology staff under “one best practice,” streamlined operations, increased patient volume, and decreased internal competition.
Removing the Blame from Burnout
ACCC Editorial Staff

Burnout among U.S. healthcare clinicians is a national concern, and cancer care is no exception. To gauge the level of burnout in the cancer care team, ACCC surveyed its membership and created a hub for team well-being resources.

Building a Resilient Oncology Team: Issues and Solutions

Burnout is on the rise as oncology becomes increasingly complex with new treatment options, growing financial toxicity, an aging patient population, and an increasingly burdensome healthcare system. It has received much media attention, with some calling it an epidemic.

Thomas A. Gallo, MS, MDA, ACCC President, selected his 2018–2019 president’s theme: Reflect, Renew, Reignite: Creating a Resilient Oncology Team in Your Community, in order to shed light on the pain points that frustrate physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators, pharmacists, and all of the other professionals who collaborate to provide the highest level of patient care.

The ACCC 35th National Oncology Conference, October 17 – 19, in Phoenix, AZ, featured stories and strategies for fostering resilience and a healthcare culture that mitigates burnout among all members of the cancer care team. Three featured speakers inspired while providing practical strategies to help increase engagement, transform your work culture, and embrace experimentation.

6 essential standards for a healthy work environment

ACCC is committed to identifying shared strategies and solutions to help combat the burnout and frustration that many of its members experience. This Building a Resilient Oncology Team: Issues and Solutions infographic details key findings on clinician burnout and a bevy of solutions to help you mitigate stress and bring the joy back to your workplace.
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