At University Hospitals, the multidisciplinary approach to care of patients with cancer involves a system of shared management, linking the skills of specialists in 14 fields of expertise with the patient's community physicians and hometown resources. This approach is essential because cancer is a complex set of more than 100 different diseases.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center is an enlightened, futuristic approach to cancer care. Patients who seek care from medical oncologists often require intervention by surgical oncologists and radiation therapists. The John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center enhances the multidisciplinary approach by convening the spectrum of cancer care disciplines into one convenient location. The centralized approach enables staff members to provide the best care to cancer patients, and also embodies important education and clinical research benefits.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center provides Iowans with a new level of cancer care not previously available in Iowa. This tertiary-level care is provided within an environment that emphasizes patient dignity, personalized care and promotes the psychological and social well-being of patients and families essential ingredients to the successful management of cancer.

CANCER CARE RESOURCES

• 88 Inpatient Beds
• Ambulatory Clinic with 24 Examination Rooms
• Chemotherapy Administration Suite with 19 Private Stations
• Dedicated Hematology Laboratory
• Oncology Pharmacy
• Dedicated Cytology Laboratory with three rooms for Fine Needle Aspiration
• Dedicated Rooms for Transfusion and Apheresis Therapy
• Breast imaging and Diagnostic Center
• Minor Surgical Procedure Suite
• Ultrasound

Comprehensive cancer care at the UIHC has myriad components In addition to physician specialists and technology found only in a few centers dedicated to cancer care and research, health care professionals representing a spectrum of disciplines focus on each patient Nursing care, social services, drug therapy, blood products, nutrition, laboratory and radiology services are essential elements in diagnosing and treating cancer.

Truly comprehensive cancer care requires many professionals with highly specialized knowledge who consult with each other about the specific needs of each patient. For that reason, The John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center consolidates specialists in one location, including inpatient patient care units dedicated to cancer care.

Eighty-eight inpatient beds for patients who require overnight stays at University Hospitals are located on the third and South levels of' the John Pappajohn Pavilion. Three of the rooms are lead-lined for interstitial radiotherapy treatment procedures. Adjacent to the inpatient rooms are the many outpatient services necessary to serve cancer patients. Collectively, these accommodations and services are designed to provide specialized cancer care in a warm, personalized environment.

Consolidating procedure rooms, laboratory support, and ambulatory clinics in close proximity to inpatient units allows staff members to optimally manage patient care and allows patients to receive their care in a setting designed for their special needs. The ambulatory patient clinic has 24 examination rooms, including three special rooms for fine needle aspiration procedures.

A diagnostic mammography suite, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and minor surgical services are all located within the Clinical Cancer Center. The Center also includes hematology and cytology laboratories and an oncology pharmacy for inpatients and ambulatory patients. A chemotherapy administration suite with 19 private stations for patients receiving chemotherapy respects the personal and therapeutic needs of cancer patients. Additional rooms provide for blood and platelet transfusions.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY STAFF

University Hospitals has a full spectrum of resources available to patients and their family members. Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, laboratory specialists, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists, dietitians, and pastoral services staff members are among the highly trained professionals who deliver personalized care to each patient. Oncology clinical nurse specialists with advanced training in cancer care provide special expertise to patients in the Clinical Cancer Center. Complementing these human resources are state-of-the-art technologies and accommodations to provide a precise diagnosis before cancer treatment begins.

TEACHING

Future advancements in cancer care depend on comprehensive training of health science students who will be tomorrow's cancer specialists. For that reason, an essential role of the Clinical Cancer Center is to provide "cutting edge" educational experiences. Participation in a patient care system where teams of cancer specialists constantly interact markedly enhances the educational experience of health science students, as well as physicians in residency training.

In addition, Clinical Cancer Center staff members conduct educational programs for patients regarding their diseases, and public outreach programs regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

The centralized approach of the Clinical Cancer Center enhances one-to-one teaching as well as multidisciplinary lectures and discussions.

RESEARCH

More than 150 research trials are underway at University Hospitals to determine the best methods for preventing and treating various cancers. 'I'These projects range from the study of promising antitumor agents to bone marrow transplantation to new surgical and radiotherapy techniques.

State-of-the-art medical technologies available at the UIEIC that are critical both for research and treatment include imaging devices such as computer assisted tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, monoclonal antibody imaging, fiberoptics, supervoltage linear accelerators for radiation therapy, laser devices, and sophisticated cell-sorting machines.

Many clinical departments within the UI Medical Center participate in national clinical trials of therapies and techniques for treating cancer. These groups include Cancer and Acute Leukemia Croup B (CALGB); Children's Cancer Study Group (CCSG); Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG); National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Program (NSABI'); Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG); Brain Tumor Cooperative Group (BTCG); and Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS).

These cooperative groups include representatives from other teaching hospitals across the nation who are also developing therapies for various forms of cancer. The UIHC has been the site of multiple clinical trials and the sponsor of educational programs for physicians and others wishing to keep abreast of new techniques and treatments in the care of cancer patients.

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Copyright 1997 by John Pappajohn

01/10/99 - http://www.pappajohn.com/university/cancer.html