The Interview: April - June 2018

JUNE 2018

THE

I TER IE Diamond Challenge

T I OSPITAL A AR E A

IA O

T

A T IR TI E

I A

INSIDE THE ISSUE

T T

R

E

Dysport.

•

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital undergoes a third accreditation survey.

•

Digicel donates free high speed internet for dialysis and oncology patients.

•

Special ceremony held to mark eight years of hospital operations in Turks and Caicos.

•

TCI Hospital hosts Diamond Challenge finale and announce the winners.

•

Patient shares a testimonial of the care received at TCI Hospital.

US BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEONS

LIVE ABOVE THE LINES. 1

Call +1 649 941 2800

THE INTERVIEW

CONTENTS 03 06 09 12 14

2

AN EMBLEM OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, privately managed by InterHealth Canada, remains among the elite 37% of an estimated 243 ACI internationally accredited medical facilities currently listed as Diamond accredited, and the only facility in the Caribbean region. It is an extraordinary accomplishment for a hospital in such a small, developing country to receive Diamond status in three consecutive surveys. The receipt of such an award proves that the standard of secondary health care services provided at TCI Hospital is comparable to facilities in countries such as Brazil and United Arab Emirates, which have a concentration Diamond accredited medical centers under the ACI International Program.

3

The Turks and Caicos Islands TCI

Organisational Practices. These

safety of patients; the

Hospital has participated in the

standards and practices are based

environment; the assurance of the

Accreditation Canada

on initiatives to safeguard patients

quality of results and appropriate

International ACI

against adverse safety incidents.

interventions.

The accreditation of the TCI

The coordination strategy utilized

Hospital under the Health

by TCI hospital involved the

Standards Organization s

commissioning of an Accreditation

mentum

program on three occasions since opening in April 2

. The facility

received two consecutive Diamond awards in March 2 and March 2

2

5, and completed

mentum International program

committee chaired by the uality

its third successful accreditation

is pursued every three years to

Risk Patient Safety Manager and

evaluation in une 2

ensure a continuous culture of

the appointment of team leaders

a three month extension due to

quality improvement remains in

responsible for the

ma or hurricane recovery efforts.

the hospital s management

implementation of service

The results were released several

system. The process also helps to

requirements in their respective

weeks after the survey.

maintain international

units. The committee convened on

requirements of technical

a monthly basis to discuss the

Accreditation is a formal and

competence. The Accreditation

progress of each team, and

internationally recognized

assessment system of quality

collaboratively charted action

process conducted by an

management and technical

plans to address areas for

established external organization

competence is comprised of the

improvement, where necessary.

to assess the technical

following areas: competence of

Prior to the official survey in une

competence and reliability of a

personnel; methods validated and

2

health care organization against

verified; traceability of

internal readiness assessments

fourteen

measurements; calibration and

were completed to ensure any

maintenance of equipment; the

existing gaps were closed.

, following

International

Service Standards and thirty three 33 Required

4

, a series of rigorous

E E

L

STAFF ATTEND PRELIMINARY DEBRIEFING

As part of the accreditation process, the organization reviewed and updated over 5

It truly takes a TEAM to undergo such a rigorous assessment.

Let us staff continue to be naturally excellent in everything we do. e can ustifiably be proud of what we have achieved and InterHealth Canada is proud of you all.

policies and

procedures, implemented a new policy management software and management structures to improve workflow. In addition, the company increased the frequency of quality rounds undertaken by senior leaders and upgraded the orientation and mandatory training programmes to incorporate blended learning.

The Emergency and Disaster Response Plan was also updated following an analysis of the previous hurricane experience in September 2

. The survey team were

impressed by the quality initiatives and technical upgrades implemented across all levels of the organisation.

The recently launched Diamond Challenge initiative, which showcased eight

quality service improvement

programmes with measurable impact in the practice

GEORGE COMMANDER, CHAIRMAN OF IHC BOARD MARTIN DAWTRY, FACILITIES GENERAL MANAGER GASTON LEVAC, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

environment, also reflected the organizations commitment to quality improvement.Â

5

6

ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY

THE INTERVIEW

7

8

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK Employee recognition knows no calendar it s an important part of company culture all year long.

However, the Human Resources Department in con unction with the staff welfare committee at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital utilized the hospital s eight anniversary to show appreciation to staff for their efforts and immeasurable impact on the delivery of health care services.

i Di

i

ion CT C

O

The week of April th commenced with a formal ceremony during which the leadership team expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the commitment of staff. This ceremony set the stage for a series of exciting events.

C l

al E

o i ion The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has over 2 nationalities represented in the workforce. The organisation embrace employees with different backgrounds who can bring together a variety of perspectives and international experience to enhance the delivery of health care services. It was only fitting to celebrate such a diversified workforce in the form of a cultural exposition held on the property of both medical centres.

Employees of different nationalities were invited to display their culture in the form of music and dance performances, traditional attire and native cuisines.

Both events yielded a great success in the level of attendance and participation. The relaxing atmosphere promoted cultural awareness, and persons from the community were also present to witness the hidden talent.

9

THE • INTERVIEW

M Staff members of Cheshire Hall Medical Centre were also treated to gift bags with tokens of appreciation. Â The Chief Executive Officer accompanied by other managers toured the hospital with filled carts. In con unction with nurses week, nurses also received platters of fresh fruit from managers of the nursing divisions.

T L P

P T

A

P

10

Image o

ome

inne

R Congratulations to the winners of TCI Hospital's Staff Appreciation Raffle 2 . The raffle tickets were drawn from a sealed container on ednesday April th at designated times by random persons during a video cast across both medical centres. The lucky winners across Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre were as follows: GRA D PRI E

I

ERS

yothi George Emergency Outpatient Department st Prize Round trip ticket to Florida MIAMI OR FORT A DERDA E inclusive of a three night stay valued at 5 . per night Phara ean Facilities Management Catering 2nd prize Samsung S Courtesy of Flow 2nd Prize Royal ewels Gift Certificates valued at

5 .

:

Mr. Tramieal Smith Catering Department urse enesha Tavares Emergency Department 3rd Prize Gift Certificates valued at 5 : Mrs. Patricia Dunne Facilities Management Catering Dr. Dionne ightbourne Medicine Mr. Gurura a Basavara Finance Mrs. ay anes illiams Administration

F

F

Congratulations to the winners of the family feud competition, which was referred to instead as organisational feud given the context of the competition. Teams from each medical centre were pitted against each other.

The answers to the questions were unique in that they were based on the most popular answers sourced via an employee survey, which was conducted on employment related matters.

THE I

Contestants were challenged to provide the most popular answers to each question, which were placed on the game board and revealed as teams made a submission.

TER

It was an intense battle across both sites. The team representing the Cockburn Town Medical Centre amassed the highest score and comprised of employees Simone Powell, erissa ewis, Tamra Brown, anelle Hamilton, Margaret Saunders and urse.

O.O.

IE

11

The udges were Dr. Hamlet ation Acting Chief Executive Officer of the ational Health Insurance Board, Mrs. Ruth Forbes Senior ice President of Fortis TCI and Dr. Marcella Malcolm of Carolina Private Clinic. The challenge was spearheaded by Isha Honore, uality Risk and Patient Safety Manager.

Eight teams of health care professionals showcased their best quality initiatives in a unique competition held on ednesday May 3 th inside the main foyer at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for a prize pool of S 3, sponsored by InterHealth Canada Corporate, the private health care management company.

The Diamond Challenge spanned five months of team preparation, and the finale featured a poster and oral presentation by each team leader before a panel of external udges. Each initiative submitted must have been implemented between the years 2 5 2 and reflect measurable impact or evidence of improvement in the practice environment.Â

The Best uality Improvement Initiative for building a Culture of Safety recorded a tie between the Baby Friendly Initiative and the Competency Mandatory Training Initiative. The first initiative was led by Dr. Dawn Perry Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Mikette Been Chief of Clinical Services. The latter Initiative was led by acqueline Moe Cox Education Manager and urline Barnett urse Educator.

12

The top award for the categories of Best uality Improvement Initiative towards Safe Medication Practices and Best Overall uality Improvement Initiative, were captured by the Medication Reconciliation Pro ect, which secured a double win. The pro ect comprised of Dr. Sani Amatti Head of Pediatrics, Dr. Ravindra Ga endragadkar General Internist, Detorrie Tennant Hospital Information Systems Manager and Tony ilton Pharmacy Manager.

The pro ect comprised of Dr. Sani Amatti Head of Pediatrics, Dr. Ravindra Ga endragadkar General Internist, Detorrie Tennant Hospital Information Systems Manager and Tony ilton Pharmacy Manager.

The title of the overall competition derived from the hospital s quest to receive diamond status once again.

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital underwent a third accreditation assessment on une th 5th 2 .

A full site survey is carried out every three years by independent overseas assessors. The acute secondary health care facility has been accredited at the Diamond level since March 2 2, which is the highest level achievable under the ACI mentum International Accreditation Program. Accreditation is an independent assessment of a health care organization s performance against internationally recognized standards of best practice.

CH ISTY DEMPSY

TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Gaston evac commented on the internal competition. evac said: “The excellent work presented by Diamond Challenge team members is a reflection of the quality work delivered by all hospital personnel. It bodes well for the TCI Hospital receiving an unprecedented third straight Diamond Accreditation award. To obtain a Diamond Award from Accreditation Canada International demonstrates that the hospital is in compliance with the world s most rigorous standards of care, service and performance.”

13

Dialysis and Oncology patients receive free high speed internet during treatments at TCI Hospital, courtesy of Digicel.

14

15

e e ei e e ti i ati n t mana e t in em hi ia a e

16

Issue 27 | 234

17

COMMUNITY CONNECTED RAISI G A

ARE ESS OF HEA TH CARE OPERATIO S

CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL CAREERS DAY 2018 Health care professionals from Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital participated in Clement Howell High School Career's Day 2 held on Thursday May 3rd at the Graceway Sports Complex, Providenciales. The theme for this year is “Building our Future by Guiding the Present.” The departments represented were doctors, laboratory, nursing and paediatrics. Students were very keen on learning more about the intricacies of each health care discipline.

'MED REC' AWARENESS

SCHOOL TOURS HOSPITAL hurricane awareness

The Medication Reconciliation Med Rec team continued initiatives on May th 2 to educate patients on the importance of knowing their medication history. Medication Reconciliation is a formal process in which healthcare providers partner with patients and their families to ensure an accurate and complete medication information transfer at interfaces of care.

Biology students from Holy Family School conducted a tour of Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on May th 2 . The group explored the behind the scene operations of the Emergency Department, Surgical Suites and Diagnostic Imaging Department. Health care professionals from TCI Hospital raise awareness of medical professions via periodic site tours and outreach initiatives.

.TCIHOSPITA .TC 18 I FO

In preparation for the 2 Atlantic Hurricane Season, TCI Hospital showcased the hospital's emergency and disaster response plan s and other related items at a Business Fair and Exhibition hosted by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency DDME on Providenciales and Grand Turk on May th th, 2 .

TCIHOSPITA .TC

FEATU

E

LIVING WITH LUPUS

There is a popular quote that reads, Everyone you meet is fighting a battle that you know nothing about. For erissa ewis, Health Information Systems TeleHealth Administrator based at Cockburn Town Medical Centre, coping with upus is one of her biggest silent battles, until now. upus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs.

Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different parts of the body.

Doctors could not determine the cause of ewis s sudden symptoms back in 2 . upus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other diseases and upus presents very differently for each individual. “My hands were swollen, my oints were stiff, and my heart was racing. I could barely make it out of my vehicle. My symptoms worsened over the following days. There was a consistent weird pain in my foot. I didn t understand what was happening to me, but I knew something was wrong,� said ewis.

Nerissa Lewis Story

19

O

A

I

IT IS I P T NT S SU VIV S T N V L L U S LV S S SU S In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs foreign invaders, like the flu . ormally our immune systems produce proteins called antibodies which protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmunity means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body s healthy tissues auto means self . As a result, it creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

ewis eventually secured a ob at TCI Hospital in 2 3. The biggest irony about her decision is the reality that hospitals generally are the place where she would be most vulnerable. Due to her overactive immune response, she is more susceptible to pathogens and illness, and her ob would require her to maintain computer systems across a facility established to care for ill persons. “Does that make me courageous or crazy she responded when asked why she decided to take the risk.

She continued: “ hat uplifts me every day is being fortunate to work in an environment where my supervisor and manager are super supportive and would even volunteer to venture into areas of the hospital that may be too risky for me. They also allow me to reboot when I feel an onslaught of symptoms, and take breaks if I need to. If I have to work inside some patient areas, I would occasionally wear a mask as a precaution. However, I am comforted by the exhaustive and strict infection prevention and control procedures practiced across the facility.”

After eight months of exhaustive medical testing overseas to eliminate a long list of other diseases that doctors suspected could explain her sudden illness, a Rheumatologist provided a definitive diagnosis on her 25th birthday. It was upus a disease she had no knowledge of, and therefore she scurried to find useful medical literature to learn more. By then, she had already visited an overseas eurologist, Hematologist, and underwent a bone marrow biopsy to eliminate the possibility of eukaemia.

ewis may not be able to control her body, but she has mastered the art of controlling her thoughts and is now committed to raising awareness of upus. TCI Hospital has become ewis s unexpected place of refuge and safe haven as she is luckily surrounded by an army of doctors everyday who not only understand her condition, and can render medical advice if needed, but are within arm s reach in a case of emergency. She also wears a butterfly chain around her neck, which is the national symbol for lupus and reflects one of the more common symptoms, the butterfly rash.

Her diagnosis forced her to reconsider her preferred specialty in the field of Information Management and Technology. At the time, she was pursing her Bachelor s Degree in Telecommunications Management with a strong focus in networking. But this would require her to crimp wires and climb into ceilings, which was clearly going to be difficult, and sometimes impossible. As a result, she redirected her career path towards the management of IT systems and applications, which was less strenuous than her previous specialty area and more systems based.

“Persons who have lupus tend to hide their diagnosis. It s not communicable, or contagious. upus may sound like a scary thing but it should never be viewed as a death sentence. It is important as survivors to never label ourselves as sufferers, but instead serve as supporters with a positive attitude. ou can still have a relatively normal life. By sharing this story, perhaps I can help someone who may have the same condition to look on the bright side of life as I have chosen to do.”

“I have to see a doctor on a quarterly basis; I didn t know how that would affect my prospects of being employed after returning to Turks and Caicos from the nited States. However, I decided to be very open about my diagnosis during ob interviews, because the side effects would be visible in my preferred field, and may even occasionally affect my efficiency. The first ob obtained after leaving university and after being diagnosed with upus was heaven sent because it was a guarantee attached to my tertiary education scholarship. The hunt for my second ob was not so easy.

I searched for two years.”

The upus Foundation of America estimates that .5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus. Although lupus can strike men and women of all ages, percent of individuals diagnosed with the disease are women.

Systematic upus has also been diagnosed in 5, to , children and teenagers in the nited States alone. To learn more, visit www.lupus.org.

20

IT'S THE

NURSE TO

CHIEF

ABOVE

I S

T I

PROMOTION I

T

S

"I AM HUMBLED

I

I T I L

TO HAVE BEEN I

S S S

T

GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE

I S

COMMUNITY IN SUCH A CAPACITY." 21

OUR

STORY

THE INTERVIEW

I CARE. A

22

WORLD NURSES WEEK 2018 THE VARIOUS SPECIALTIES REPRESENTED INCLUDED NURSES FROM THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, SURGICAL SUITES, MATERNITY, OUTPATIENT AND INPATIENT DEPARTMENTS, ONCOLOGY AND DIALYSIS UNIT.

T

P S

I

S T

I I

I

S S

I

P

T T T T

F

T

S

O RT

S I E

O

L E

A

THE INTERVIEW 23

LAB WEEK

24

FEATURE

PROFILES

PHLEBOTOMY: BEYOND THE NEEDLE

25

THE INTERVIEW

New Local Pharmacist The Pharmacy department wishes to welcome a new member to the team.

Kennita Myers officially joined the organization on 18th June 2018 and has transitioned from working in a community pharmacy to a hospital setting. Kennita, a native of the islands, has obtained a Bachelors Degree in Biology from the University of Tampa in Florida and a Masters degree in Pharmacy from Keele University in England. Following tertiary level studies, she conducted a one-year internship at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital and is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in England.

Certification: Congratulations to Erika Williams

Kennita is excited about the cross-over to inpatient pharmacy as she believes it represents the best of both worlds. She is given the opportunity to dispense prescription medications similar to her role in the community pharmacy, but most importantly, she can now apply more of her clinical knowledge, directly interface with a multidisciplinary health care team, and spend time with patients to better understand their condition.

The Medical Device Reprocessing Department at TCI Hospital wishes to congratulate Erika Williams on becoming a Certified Instrument Specialist. Erika has worked in the department for over two years.

The 10 month course was pursued at the Universidad Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano in the Dominican Republic on April 16th 2018, and funded by InterHealth Canada.

The university is one of two prometric test centers in the Caribbean.

All staff members in the MDR Department are now in receipt of the certification, which provides additional reassurance that employees the latest competency to provide quality, efficient and effective medical reprocessing service to its customers.

Overseas Conference Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Quality Risk and Patient Safety Manager, Isha Honore attended a conference on Health Care Quality hosted by the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences on 21st April 2018 in Trinidad. The conference focused on models of best practice with topics related to health care policy, systems, education and diagnostic services. InterHealth Canada sponsored the conference.

The reprocessing of medical instruments is a complex process. Technicians must possess an in-depth understanding of the components, dynamics and diversity of medical instruments.

26

By Mr. Ed Forbes, President of Exclusive Escapes Tours: “Please allow me to convey my gratitude to your staff who has provided my medical care over the past 2 years.

I'm fully aware of how the media are sometimes quick to remind us of the shortcomings in the services provided by many government agencies and private sectors; nevertheless, I am extremely pleased and grateful to be able to confirm that reports such as these were not indicative of the services I received in both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to them and many others whose work is driving innovation and improving the lives of our people in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

From the strong network of specialists and clinicians collaborating in both Grand Turk and Providenciales, to the organizations and InterHealth Canada who play such an important role in bringing new discoveries from labs to patients' bedsides; to the advocates, government representatives and donors who pave the way for expanding the knowledge of medicine.

They have come a long way since I left the Turks and Caicos Islands over 35 years ago. I have been in the care of many Doctors and Specialist abroad and there is not much comparison to the great service I have received here. Thank you for the unwavering dedication, the talents, skills and compassion that brings hope to our people and families. I am truly grateful for your enduring commitment to serve our communities.

Furthermore, it is amazing to see the efficiency and patience that takes place within the hospital walls. A special thanks to internist Dr. Ravindra for his positive engagement and thoroughness with me.

On a side note, I realize that in the Turks and Caicos Islands we have limited skills in this area of expertise; however, to ensure we have the needed maturity levels and tenure, the selection process should be vetted a bit more carefully when it comes to primary Doctors. I would be grateful if this letter could be forwarded to the relevant departments as I know it is always good to receive positive feedback when carrying out a difficult and challenging role.”

27

I an o ommend and a a ig han o o he n e and do o ho e e on d a he eme gen oom hi mo ning I needed lood o o m on i h addi ional need he e e no a le o ge he lood a a i a e lini ea lie ha mo ning o he do o o e a e e al o o go o he eme gen oom o o i l e eda ed i needed n e he e I a in o med he ill no e doing ill ge he an eda ion and he lood i h hei aining and e e i e a ell a all hand on de he e e a le o ge he lood he needed and m on a no a all a ma i ed I a e ia e hem o eing o nde anding and e e i ing em a h o a d in a i a ion ha a a ig deal o ee he g ea o do o and n e i h om a ion o

Chemotherapy If you think you know all about chemotherapy, it is important to separate fact from fiction. In this educational article, Gemma Watson - Oncology Specialist Nurse at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, provides the answers to the most common myths about chemotherapy.

✓What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy (or chemo) is a type of medication that treats cancer. The goal of chemo is to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment – this means it treats the whole body and this is why patients get side effects. ✓What does it do to my body?

Chemotherapy medications attack rapidly growing cancer cells, but they can also affect healthy cells that grow rapidly. The effect of these medications on normal cells can cause chemo side effects. These side effects are expected and in most cases and can be minimised to make the patient feel better. ✓What are the common side effects with chemotherapy?

Different chemotherapies are used for a range of cancers and each has their own specific side effects. Also, if 10 patients were given the same medication each patient would respond differently. Patients are often encouraged to be mindful of making comparisons between themselves, other patients and their respective treatments. The most common side effects include: · Nausea (feeling of sickness) · Tiredness · Changes in bowel habits

✓Do I have to stop my natural treatments if I have chemo?

No, we encourage patients to take an active role in helping themselves to feel better during their cancer journey and for many people that includes using natural treatments. The doctor should be informed of any treatments being taken to in order to gather a patient’s medication history. ✓Does everyone with cancer need chemotherapy?

No, not all patients with cancer require chemotherapy. The same principle applies to surgery and radiotherapy.

Every patient and every cancer is different. If chemotherapy is recommended, it means that this particular treatment is best suited to treat the cancer. ✓What can I do to help keep my body strong during chemotherapy treatment?

Keeping your body as healthy and strong as possible is the best thing you can do to help yourself. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables plus cutting out sugar, will help to make you feel better and minimize the side effects of your chemotherapy. Drinking plenty of water and going for a brisk walk 3 to 4 times a week – this will also increase your energy levels.

28

All of these easy changes will help to boost your immune system and keep you feeling as well as possible during treatment.

MYTH BUSTING ✓“Chemotherapy kills people” – Chemotherapy does not kill people, chemotherapy aims to cure or control the cancer. If patients have a very aggressive cancer, cure may not be achieved but chemotherapy may help to slow down the growth of the disease to give the patient more time. ✓“It is dangerous for me to be around people if I’m having chemotherapy” – It is completely safe for your family and friends to be near you. There is no risk to your children or other adults even on the same day as your chemotherapy treatment. ✓“I’ll lose my hair” - Not every chemotherapy medication causes hair loss, and some only result in hair thinning. It depends on the type of chemotherapy you receive. ✓“My cancer must be really bad if my doctor ordered chemo” Chemotherapy treatment is given for many reasons and for many different types of cancer.

FACT VERSUS FICTION Sometimes chemo is given to shrink a tumor before surgery.

Sometimes it is given to control disease and keep a patient stable.

Many times it is given after surgery to help minimize the risk of the cancer returning. Doctors take many factors into consideration when developing the treatment plan for each patient, so comparisons should not be made between different patients. ✓“My life will be drastically interrupted while I have chemo” – This is not true. Many people continue to go to work and live their lives as normal. Patients may have a day or two after each chemotherapy when they’re not feeling like their normal selves, but that could happen to anyone if they had the flu or upset stomach. ✓“There is only one kind of chemotherapy, and it can treat any kind of cancer” - Many people believe all types of cancer are treated with the same chemotherapy medication but that is not the case at all. Different drugs target different types of cancer and work in different ways: to destroy cancer cells, to shrink tumours and to relieve symptoms of advanced cancer. These drugs may be given before, after or in combination with other treatments. ✓“Chemotherapy causes severe nausea and vomiting” - Just 20 years ago, chemotherapy was associated with intense nausea and vomiting but these days many chemotherapy drugs are in part designed to prevent nausea and vomiting, or reduce their severity.

The anti-sickness medications that patients receive before chemotherapy plus the tablets they take afterwards, are very effective at minimising those bad feelings.

Some patients may still have some nausea for a couple of days, but vomiting is rare. ✓“Chemotherapy causes weight loss” – Usually the opposite is true! Many patients expect to lose weight during chemotherapy, and they’re surprised when they gain weight. Sometimes patients have lost a lot of weight prior to their diagnosis so gaining weight is actually often a good sign during treatment. ✓“Chemotherapy is only given to people who are dying” – Many years ago this was true. Chemotherapy used to be seen as the last resort. But now it can be used as a preventative measure after other primary treatments. For example, a cancer patient might have chemotherapy after a surgery as an added measure to reduce the risk of the cancer from coming back. ✓“Chemotherapy ruins your life” – Like every medication for every disease, medications have side effects that can make you feel unwell for a short time. If chemotherapy is suggested by your doctor, it means there are clinical benefits. Chemotherapy may mean that you won’t feel your usual self for a few months but once chemotherapy is completed, the side effects will stop and you can return to your normal daily life. ✓Chemotherapy is only recommended to patients that will benefit from the treatment. It is not offered to everyone. If the advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages, then chemotherapy will not be suggested.

29

H E A L T H

P R O M O T I O N |

T H E

I N T E R V I E W

in the media HEALTH

PROMOTION |

THE

INTERVIEW

INTERNATIONAL NURSES WEEK RADIO INTERVIEW Registered Nurses from Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital appeared on Health Matters Radio Show to discuss the various specialties in nursing; how nursing has changed over the years and opportunities for growth.

PORT-A-CATH TRAINING INTERVIEW Nurses Carl Lewis and Kurien Jolly sat down with PTV News to share more about their training in Port-a-Cath Medication Administration conducted at Sick Kids Hospital, a paediatric facility based in Canada. Both nurses received a certification in the specialist competency to care for paediatric Hemophilia cases. The training was funded by InterHealth Canada.

ONCOTYPE DX TEST INTERVIEW Doctor Larry Godfrey and Oncology Specialist Nurse, Gemma Watson conducted an interview with PTV News on Oncotype DX®, a tumor profiling test that helps determine the benefit of using chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy for some estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancers. A recent study has found that genetic profiling on certain breast tumours may help to identify women who would have no additional benefit receiving chemotherapy. Instead, this group of patients would receive hormone therapy, which is administered via a tablet taken daily for 5 – 10 years. The Oncotype DX test eligibility criteria are early-stage breast tumors measuring one to five centimeters; Not spread to lymph nodes (glands under the armpits); Estrogen positive tumour and HER2 negative tumour. A patient must fit all four criteria, as stated by the genetic testing centre in the United States, to be eligible for the test. The test is available for eligible patients in Turks and Caicos Islands.

30

Educational Development

THE NTE

E

TO LET P PE D E OMPET T ON ED TO E N O E P T ENT M T T ON D N T N N E

ON

In some parts of the world toilet paper wedding dresses can earn up to . In fact, a local florist and designer won the amount last month during the th Annual Toilet Paper edding Dress Contest hosted in ew ork. Â The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital uses a similar theme to reinforce concepts of teamwork, communication, risk assessment and customer profiling in mandatory training sessions on uality Risk and Patient Safety.

Teams were asked to create a toilet paper dress, which was modelled by a chosen member of the team. The dress is made only using toilet paper and tape provided. During the debrief and presentation segment, the teams were asked to explain how the task was accomplished via teamwork, what customer information was gathered before making the dress, identify the risks associated with the dress, and how were these risks were mitigated.

The exercise was considered a creative learning experience, which emphasized the strategies outlined in the course programme. 31

BO T THE ED TO

32