This year was an exceptional year for progress in the cancer committee. The committee focused on the cancer program meeting all the requirements and standards developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (COC) to achieve renewal of our accreditation as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program (THCP). In September of this year the Cancer Program renewed their accreditation by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer. I am pleased to report that we received a three-year ACS approval with commendation.  

The Dermatology department at the Anheuser-Busch Institute was proud to be recognized as a Melanoma Center of Excellence by The Melanoma Hope Network (MHN).  

There were many successful performance improvement projects that the committee reported this past year, as listed below:

• There was a decrease in blood and marrow infusion complications throughout the hospital. Several new processes developed from this project, which was led by Chris Rimkus and Michele Voss. Nursing initiated a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle by developing a checklist that the nurses use to prepare for stem cell infusion. Once the form was implemented, compliance increased to 100 percent. Treatment guidelines were developed and placed into preprinted orders.
• Pain management was an area of priority and nursing made several steps to improve pain management for patients during their stay. PCA ”smart pumps” were acquired and implemented. Physicians and nurses found many opportunities for education on pain management, including a creation of a learning module on pain management. There was additional training available for the PCA/PCEA pump programming. Multiple lectures were provided to increase staff awareness. The oncology floor in the hospital was recognized for the excellent management of pain of their patients.
• Our community outreach program was very active this year with participation in health fairs, support groups and screenings. A new melanoma support group was started as well as development and initiation of a smoking cessation program for all our patients. A new support group was developed to assist our head and neck cancer patients.
• Radiation oncology worked towards decreasing anxiety during radiation therapy utilizing visualization, music therapy and aromatherapy. Patient satisfaction was measured at 97 to 99 percent by patient survey after initiation of these therapies.
• Renovations have been made to a number of areas within the hospital, which included the front lobby and nursing units. New signage is being developed to assist with a smoother stay for our patients and families.   I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made during the course of the past year and look forward to even more in the years ahead.  

Summer R. Youker, M.D.

Associate Professor of Dermatology Chairman, Cancer Committee

Cancer Liaison Physician