Patient Education at the
Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
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| Start/End Date |
Adaptation of patient information began in 1999 and is ongoing.
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| Goals |
To provide the information and resources patients need to make informed choices and be active participants in their care.
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| Objectives |
To produce patient information that is clear, understandable, and appropriate to their needs.
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| Methods/Activities |
The in-house creation/adaptation of plain language patient literature and educational resources, written at an intended Grade 6 reading level, e.g., the Centre's Patient Information Booklet (a patient orientation guide to the Centre's departments and services).
Review of existing patient information through the National Literacy & Health Program's Plain Language Service.
Staff education through plain language workshops facilitated by the PLS.
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| Source of Funding |
The ORCC subsists on provincial funding, and assistance from Cancer Care Ontario.
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| Population Served |
The Centre serves over 16,430 patients from within the National Capital Region, the Ottawa Valley and the Outaouais, each year. There is no available record of the specific population served by plain language materials at the ORCC.
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| Evaluation |
Patient information is evaluated and adapted as the need arises. An in-house evaluation of plain language activities has been conducted, but findings have not been made public.
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| Annual Budget |
There is no specific budget for literacy activities. Materials are produced as needed with Education Department funds.
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| Structure |
2 members of the Education Department received training in plain language techniques through the CPHA's National Literacy & Health Program;
1 Nursing Education Coordinator (a shared position);
Library staff; and
Other staff members have attended NLHP workshops.
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| Contact |
Jo-Ann Nicol
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