Breast Health Program for the Underserved

Abstract Title	Breast Health Program for the Underserved
Member Organization	Holy Cross Hospital Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Team Leader # 1	Patricia DeZinno, R.N. BSN Nurse Manager OB/GYN Clinic
Team Leader # 2	Donna Appel, RN, BSN, CBHN Oncology Nurse Navigator
Team Leader # 3	Consuelo Sanchez Financial Counselor
Objective # 1	Describe the process for timely access to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages for the underserved and uninsured women.
Objective # 2	Identify barriers for the underserved/uninsured women to access breast health care.
Objective # 3	Apply multiple strategies to enhance and improve accessibility to women’s health care environment and early access to the Breast Health Program.
Description/Summary	Holy Cross Hospital, the OB/GYN Clinic developed a process to ensure that the underserved/uninsured women with a positive or suspicious finding on clinical breast exam and or mammography, would receive further diagnosis and treatment and most importantly, on a timely basis.
Process	Processes were developed to facilitate application to the State of Maryland’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program that provides access to providers for diagnosis, treatment, coordination of care and follow up. To eliminate the barriers to care, providers/staff work collaboratively with community partners to maintain the success of this program. Electronic data abstraction and statistical methods were used to evaluate progress over 24 months and updated bi-monthly by nurse manager with oncology nurse navigator.
Measurement	Progress was evaluated and strategies modified on a bi-monthly basis utilizing an electronic tracking system. Patient reminders were implemented, and phone calls and letters were used for follow up contact. The electronic database consists of patient profile, initial diagnosis, progress and outcome.
Result	Of the 36 women being followed, 34 have received breast health care and two were diagnosed with breast cancer. This program is a vital link to the underinsured/uninsured women to access  healthcare services and resources that would otherwise not be available.