WellSpan Cancer Centers have been honored for their work in creating a mobile device application that simplifies aspects of the cancer journey for radiation oncology patients.
The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) recognized WellSpan Health with its 2019 ACCC Innovator Award for forward-thinking cancer programs that create innovative strategies for cancer care. WellSpan is the one of just seven centers in the country to earn the award.
“WellSpan is always looking to make health care easier to use and this app helps put the power of knowledge in the patient’s hand,” said Robert Rice, M.D., medical director, WellSpan Cancer Centers. “We know we have the physicians and care team in place to provide exceptional care for our patients, and this achievement shows that we are always striving to make that health care experience even better.”
The app allows patients to report their symptoms and severity from their phone at any time of day, and that information is fed directly into the patient’s electronic medical record where the physician can review. If the severity of reported symptoms increases, a pop-up notification alerts the patient to contact their physician.
The app also provides a detailed log of upcoming appointments, proxy access and educational videos. It also is linked to MyWellSpan, the self-service, secure online patient portal for WellSpan Health. For more features, click on this link and scroll down to the video.
To download the app, patients should search “WellSpan Radiation Oncology” in the app store on their mobile device.
WellSpan Health offers an extensive network of community-based cancer centers, including locations in Ephrata, Gettysburg, Hanover, Lebanon and York. A sizeable addition to the WellSpan York Cancer Center was announced earlier this year, with construction set to begin later this summer.
WellSpan also collaborates with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center.
For more information on the WellSpan Cancer Centers, visit www.WellSpan.org/Cancer.
About WellSpan Health
WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of approximately 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, more than 19,000 employees, and more than 170 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.
About ACCC
The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) is the leading education and advocacy organization for the cancer care community. Founded in 1974, ACCC is a powerful network of 25,000 multidisciplinary practitioners from 2,100 hospitals and practices nationwide. As advances in cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment options, and care delivery models continue to evolve—so has ACCC—adapting its resources to meet the changing needs of the entire oncology care team. For more information, visit accc-cancer.org or call 301.984.9496. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; read their blog, ACCCBuzz; and tune in to their podcast, CANCER BUZZ.
Media Contact: Ryan Coyle, 717-851-3151 or rcoyle@wellspan.org.
