|
Many factors determine the success of any new patient education initiative. Some of the issues involved with setting up CancerHelp are unique, while some are applicable to most new education programs. Three broad issues are discussed below: staffing, location, and promotion. While the staffing resources needed to set-up and maintain the CancerHelp system can be minimal, the level of commitment by the "key contact" will often determine the program's success. Setting up CancerHelp is simple: attach the monitor and printer to the computer, turn them on and install the software. Ongoing maintenance involves keeping the printer full of paper and performing the monthly CD update. Total time: maybe a half an hour per month, probably less. Unfortunately, just having a system in place does not guarantee anyone will know about it. This is why an inhouse CancerHelp "champion" is so important. The CancerHelp champion must be committed to ensuring that patients, their families, and facility staff are fully aware of the availability and benefits of CancerHelp. It's not enough to set-up the computer in the corner of a room and hope people ask about it. Keep reading to learn more about the steps you can take to ensure high user involvement. For those of you who already feel strapped for time, know that you have help. Read the sections below, join our online community, or give us a call at the CancerHelp Institute. You are not alone. You have the experiences of others to rely on. We all know the importance of location. The obvious rule for maximizing patient accessibility to CancerHelp is to place it in a high traffic area, such as a waiting room. Although resource rooms and libraries make logical sense, we do not recommend placement of CancerHelp in an area unless it is already heavily used. This might require obtaining support from staff in the area where CancerHelp will be located. Please visit our section devoted entirely to "Subscriber Marketing Strategies." |
|
©2003 CancerHelp Institute