Smilow Cancer Hospital Medical Oncology Consult Service
The Medical Oncology Consult Service at Smilow Cancer Hospital is an interdisciplinary group dedicated to supporting patients with cancer and their caregivers while in the hospital.
A disease-specific medical oncology attending physician, along with an advanced practice provider or hematology/oncology fellow, will work closely with the outpatient oncologist to care for you while in the hospital. If you have been recently diagnosed, our service will help coordinate close follow up with your outpatient oncologist at Smilow Cancer Hospital.
You may also have the support of Yale internal medicine house staff physicians and medical students rotating on the consult service. In addition to the clinical team, social work, care management, oncology pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and palliative care may provide additional support during your hospital stay. Our program:
• Works closely with your outpatient medical oncologist to provide the best care while in the hospital, or helps establish care as an outpatient.
• Diagnoses and manages complications of cancer and treatment, which may require hospitalization.
• Provides education and support with the expertise of social work, care management, pharmacy, and palliative care.
• Promotes comfort and relieves pain and suffering. The team will work closely with the outpatient oncology team to provide:
• Opportunities to discuss your concerns and questions
• Guidance and support with difficult treatment choices
• Treatment of pain and other physical symptoms
• Assistance with psychological and spiritual issues
• Help navigating complex social and financial needs
COMMON QUESTIONS
Does my oncologist know what’s happening in the hospital?
We communicate with your primary oncologist at the time of admission, and throughout your hospital stay. Your oncologist is an essential member of the inpatient care team.
Who helps take care of me in the hospital?
Our team works together to provide expert support to you and your family. We are experienced in helping patients and families navigate complex hospital-based care, and work closely with your oncologist. Our service may partner with social work, care management, spiritual care, pharmacy, palliative care, and others to help best support your care.
What happens when I leave the hospital?
We will help coordinate new or follow up care with your cancer specific outpatient oncologist after your hospitalization. Typically, appointments are scheduled after you leave the hospital.
What is palliative care and how can they help support me in the hospital?
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, and pharmacists that supports patients and their families facing serious illness. They use many approaches to provide an extra layer of support while in the hospital. Depending on your individual symptoms, needs, and wishes, palliative care may involve:
• Medication, pain management, mental health services, and coping strategies
• Spiritual support and guidance, nutritional support, family support
• Referral for Integrative Medicine including massage therapy, Reiki, and mindfulness based exercises
Can I receive chemotherapy in the hospital?
Most cancer-directed therapy is received in the outpatient setting when patients are well enough to receive treatment.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
SMILOW HOSPITALIST SITE: yalemedicine.org/departments/yale-cancer-center/ your-care#inpatient-care
NCCN PATIENT PORTAL: nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources
ASCO PATIENT RESOURCES: cancer.net/about-us/asco-answers-patient-education-materials
CONTACT
Hari Deshpande, MD, Medical Oncology Consult Director
Jensa Morris, MD, Smilow Hospitalist Service Director Elizabeth Prsic, MD, Medical Oncology Firm Chief
For more information please contact: (203) 200-2725