A patient-oriented research project, led by the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit team in Saint John, provided crucial evidence to expand an innovative care model for rural breast surgery patients in New Brunswick.
The care model, a collaboration between Saint John’s Breast Health Program and Delta Hotels, supports outpatient lumpectomies and mastectomies for patients in Saint John. Launched in 2006, the program gives patients undergoing breast surgeries, who live 100-kilometres or more away from the hospital, one night of free accommodations, complimentary meals, valet parking, and extramural care.
Given that 51% of New Brunswick’s population resides in rural communities, many patients undergoing breast cancer surgeries must be admitted to hospital, pay out of pocket to stay at a hotel nearby, or travel far distances home upon discharge.
Researchers wanted to know more about how patient’s felt about their experience with the Delta Oasis program to inform the development of similar programs in Moncton and Fredericton.
Two patient partners, Karen Irving and Peggy McLean, joined the research team to help conduct an evaluation of the program and disseminate the findings. One lived in Saint John and participated in the program, while the other lived in Moncton and did not have access to a similar program.
Samantha Fowler, MSSU Clinical Research Manager at Horizon Health in Saint John said having patient engagement was beneficial to understand and interpret the results: “Their insights, particularly about the challenges women face when expected to resume household duties post-surgery, were included in the publication to raise awareness of these factors.”
The Delta Oasis study has demonstrated positive outcomes, with all interviewed participants stating it was a beneficial part of their overall care experience. Most participants noted that the program reduced financial burdens and stress. This success paved the way for the program’s expansion to other areas of the province.
The patient partners played a crucial role in this expansion. Despite initial efforts by the nurse navigator, the principal investigator, and the research manager to involve Delta Hotels in Fredericton and Moncton, they faced challenges in securing cooperation.
“We were starting to lose hope when a patient partner managed to get them on board through her persistence and persuasion,” said Fowler. “Her efforts made the imminent expansion of the program possible.”
Thanks to the instrumental contributions of patient partners, the program will now benefit rural breast surgery patients in Fredericton and Moncton, further enhancing their care experience. The research has also attracted the attention of the local health authority, which is excited to use this study as an example of how patient-oriented research can inform care.