Graded Essays

Part 1

Project Overview

Project Name

Decreasing Mortality rates due to Skin Cancer In West Virginia University Hospital through Early

Prevention Strategies

Gap Analysis

In any hospital or healthcare facility, mortality rates can be caused by poor care, a pandemic, or untrained staff. Age, gender, diseases, hereditary factors, and access to medical care all affect mortality. There was a measurably critical expansion in the mortality rate in the US from 2019 to 2020. The number of resident deaths in the United States in 2020 was 3,383,800, more than in 2019 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The death rate in West Virginia was 16600 per 100,000 people in 2022. The mortality rate increased by 3.84 percent annually in 2022 (The World Bank, 2022). Cancer will claim 609,400 lives in 2022, an average of 1,670 lives each day, with 1.9 million new cases diagnosed. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 7870 estimated cancer cases and 2400 deaths per day in 2023 (American Cancer Society, 2020). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) states that making healthy choices, getting vaccinated, and getting regular screenings can lower a state’s risk of contracting many common types of cancer. One of the leading causes of death in West Virginia is cancer, which should be controlled by taking appropriate safety precautions. The goal is to reduce the estimated daily death toll from 2400 to 1000.

According to Health and Human Resources (2022), skin cancer affects 7% of the adult population in West Virginia. Healthcare organizations must put more effort into the prevention of the disease because the majority of the population is unaware of the consequences of skin cancer. There are gaps in healthcare services related to skin cancer treatment, as the population is not completely acknowledged of the disease, and new staff is not experienced enough to cope with the adverse effects of a disease that later leads to death. The mortality rates are getting increased due, to it is necessary for the staff to learn about prevention measures (Aggarwal et al., 2021).

Skin cancer can be effectively prevented by avoiding excessive exposure, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of more than 15 regularly, and wearing protective clothing (World Health Organization,

2019). According to the National Cancer Institute (2022), approximately 22% of all cancer patients mostly

have skin cancer. Dermatologists also recommend that skin cancer patients add multiple antioxidants to their diet to prevent the disease. Reducing the number of people dying from cancer can be aided by programs encouraging healthy eating, quitting smoking, and increasing physical activity. New treatments, vaccines, and screening procedures can all potentially reduce cancer deaths. Since it is desired to be 1000 from 2400, the quantifiable difference or gap between the current and desired states is 1400. It is necessary to evaluate the current circumstance to carry out a gap analysis. The goal state is then identified, and the chasm between the two is highlighted. The gaps can then be filled with an action plan. Various surveys and synopsis can be done to identify the gaps. Apart from that, questionnaires and assessments will also play a

major role in identifying the gaps. Productivity will decrease as the death rate rises. A nation’s economic situation is also affected by mortality and morbidity.

Current State

Desired State

Identified Gap

Methods used to identify the Gap

Implications/Relevance to Identified Population

Increase in mortality rates due to skin cancer (7%)

Patients do not have enough knowledge about the disease and its consequence s

Reducing the number of deaths due to skin cancer (less than 5%)

Trained staff

Increasing awareness of patients regarding skin cancer prevention strategies

Identified gap is 2%

Improvements needed to be made through staff training and increasing awareness about prevention strategies

Questionnaires, Assessments, Synopses, and Surveys

Campaigns to increase patient knowledge about skin cancer and lifestyle modifications.

Learning sessions for the healthcare staff in the oncology department

Life span will be increased.

Deaths caused due to skin cancer will be decreased.

The staff is not well- trained

Evidence to Support the Need

Dietz et al. (2020) state that cancer treatment aims to reduce cancer patients’ deaths and allow them to live everyday lives. Depending on the circumstances, this might or might not be possible. A “Priority” classification for cancer patients was developed across disciplines after extensive multidisciplinary teleconference discussions and a literature review. The severity of each patient’s condition was used to determine priority categories. As a result, mortality rates decreased, and the number of cancer patients decreased.

Between 2015 and 2019, the risk of dying from cancer decreased by approximately 2% annually, compared to 1% annually in the 1990s. The power of screening tests, early diagnosis, and treatment have

the overall capacity to reduce skin cancer mortality rates (American Cancer Society, 2022a).

Problem Statement

The increased mortality rates in the west Virginia population due to skin cancer have become a major concern for healthcare providers. It can be resolved through different educational and secondary prevention strategies, such as awareness campaigns on certain types of cancers, primary prevention strategies of lifestyle and dietary modifications, and a focus on genetics and precision oncology. It will have a positive impact on patient outcomes and will result in high-quality care.

SMART

Objectives

The aims and objectives known as SMART goals can be used to assist cancer patients and healthcare providers in making necessary adjustments. The ambition and objectives should be relevant, precise, measurable, and faultless. Some recommendations for SMART goals that could lower cancer mortality rates are listed below.

Specific: The target population is skin cancer patients in West Virginia hospitals. Individuals prone to skin cancer and diseases will be specifically targeted. As a result of the project, there will be a progression in the betterment of the health of skin cancer patients. The death rate of the patients will decrease as it is currently at 7% and constantly increasing.

Measurable: The number of deaths caused due to cancer will be observed monthly using EHR or surveys. The data relating to skin care patients will be stored in the healthcare records of the oncology department that can be taken accessed by the authorities.

Achievable: This objective is realistic and can be accomplished by professionals collaborating with other

healthcare staff to ensure easy access to screening test tools and other strategies.

Relevance: The suggested interventions are relevant to the issue of increased mortality rates. The aim is to bring positive health-related outcomes. These interventions will result in positive outcomes and the project’s success by educating the patients and training staff to increase their expertise.

Time-bound: The goal will be accomplished in one year. It will start in 2023 and end in 2024.

·         These goals ensure that the aim will be accomplished and that individuals and the overall population will benefit. The time will be divided and managed properly so the project will be successfully accomplished in the given time frame.

Project AIM

Treatments and interventions for cancer can help lower the annual death toll. Additionally, these goals will contribute to an increase in a healthy and flourishing population. Additionally, it is anticipated that 2400 people will die from cancer each day by 2023 in West Virginia.

The purpose of the project is to encourage healthcare workers at West Virginia University Hospital to put in more effort to reduce mortality rates in the patients. The aim of the project is to reduce the skin cancer rate from 7% to 5% from the year 2023 to 2024 by implementing prevention and early detection strategies along with training healthcare workers.

The emphasis will be placed on the role that everyone can play in ensuring that every skin cancer patient receives equal treatment without bias. This can be done by collaborating with interdisciplinary staff, medical professionals, and the community. The healthcare professionals will offer the patients prompt and effective treatment. The goal of the project is to lower the mortality rate in skin cancer patients. The aim of the organization for skin cancer patients is to reduce their death rates by educating them and giving training to the staff that will help them to deliver appropriate services.

Additionally, the aim of the project for the rest of the population is to spread awareness about the disease, and it will result in a lower percentage of skin cancer patients in the future. Healthcare organizations in West Virginia aim to provide care to patients without discrimination and prevent them from adverse side effects of the disease.

To achieve the objectives, this entire procedure will take approximately one year.

Timeline

The following precise objectives and other tested interventions will determine the patient’s timetable.

Proof of setting goals for the entire procedure to lower cancer patient mortality rates can be found here.

Two months of Planning and Preparation

·         Identifying the goals and objectives

·           Evaluating the number of patients with cancer and those in danger of getting the disease

·         Discussing obstacles and problems in achieving goals and suggesting solutions

·         Possession of funds and sponsorship

Implementation:

·         Forwarding the plan through different sources

·         Promotion of primary and secondary prevention strategies for cancer

·         Increasing collaboration with healthcare experts from neighboring organizations

·         Arranging educational seminars to train the staff about cancer treatment.

·         Assessing the progression

According to research by Corso et al. (2023), it was evaluated that primary prevention strategies focusing on educational campaigns and secondary prevention strategies, including screening and early detection, are useful in cancer prevention.

Six months for evaluation of the goal

·         Evaluating information to elaborate on the success of the objective.

·         Identifying gaps to proceed with the plan in a better way.

The change will occur in West Virginia hospitals where patients are admitted with chronic conditions and who are at risk. It is essential to know that this plan can be changed if any changes are needed according to the circumstances. The authorities should keep in mind that the process should be flexible enough to be adopted by healthcare staff and patients.

References

Aggarwal, P., Knabel, P., & Fleischer, A. B. (2021). United States burden of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer from 1990 to 2019. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 85(2), 388–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.109

American Cancer Society. (2020). American Cancer Society | Cancer Facts & Statistics. American Cancer Society | Cancer Facts & Statistics. https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#

American Cancer Society. (2022a). 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures Cancer | Cancer Death Rate Drops.

Www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures- 2022.html#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20death%20from

American Cancer Society. (2022b, January 12). 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures Cancer | Cancer Death Rate Drops. Www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures- 2022.html#:~:text=Cancer%20continues%20to%20be%20the

Centers for Diseae Control and Prevention. (2021, December 21). Products – Data Briefs. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db427.htm#section_3

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). How to Prevent Cancer or Find It Early.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/index.htm

Dietz, J. R., Moran, M. S., Isakoff, S. J., Kurtzman, S. H., Willey, S. C., Burstein, H. J., Bleicher, R. J., Lyons, J.

A., Sarantou, T., Baron, P. L., Stevens, R. E., Boolbol, S. K., Anderson, B. O., Shulman, L. N., Gradishar, W. J., Monticciolo, D. L., Plecha, D. M., Nelson, H., & Yao, K. A. (2020).

Recommendations for prioritization, treatment, and triage of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 181(3), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05644-z

Health and Human Resources. (2022). West Virginia Cancer Statistics. Dhhr.wv.gov. https://dhhr.wv.gov/hpcd/FocusAreas/wvcancer/Pages/WV-Cancer- Statistics.aspx#:~:text=Approximately%207.1%25%20of%20West%20Virginia

The World Bank. (2022). Glossary | DataBank. Databank.worldbank.org. https://databank.worldbank.org/metadataglossary/worlddevelopmentindicators/series/SP.DYN.C DRT.IN#:~:text=Crude%20death%20rate%20indicates%20the%20number%20of%20deaths%20occ

urring%20during

Corso, G., Janssens, J. Ph., & La Vecchia, C. (2023). Cancer prevention: innovative strategies in the role of the European Cancer Prevention Organization. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, Publish Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1097/cej.0000000000000782

National Cancer Institute. (2022). State Cancer Profiles > Quick Profiles. Statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov. https://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/quick-profiles/index.php?statename=westvirginia

World Health Organization. (2019). Preventing cancer. Who.int.

https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-cancer

Part 2

Project Team

Title

Department

Role

Executive Sponsor

Medical oncologist/ Cancer Specialist

Healthcare services in Oncology departments

An executive sponsor for lowering the mortality rate for skin cancer patients in West Virginia is typically a senior healthcare organization member overseeing the management and supporting the program’s progress. The executive sponsor’s primary responsibility is to contribute to the program’s successful completion (Indini et al., 2020). Justin is a well-known medical oncologist with more than 25 years of experience. Due to his professional approach, he has worked for several prestigious healthcare organizations and has had a very successful career in the treatment of skin care. He reduces the mortality rate of cancer patients by recommending various treatments and medications. Justin works with other staff to teach his patients, members of the health team, and the community. He has adequate access to resources and can deal with potential obstacles and challenges. He prioritizes oncology-related cases and will significantly contribute to the program’s success in lowering patient

mortality rates.

Team Members

Title/Departme nt and/or Affiliation

The rationale for Selection/Contribution to the Project

Registered oncology nurse

Anna has 12 years of experience as a registered oncology nurse and has vast experience in looking after skin cancer patients. She contributes to the direct nursing care of cancer patients by administering chemotherapy and other oncology treatments. She helps in providing appropriate supportive care too. Anna also helps in patient education and is a bridge for communication between doctors and patients. Anna is a minority, she is an African American, and she will definitely help in the progression of the communication between doctors and patients.

Psychiatrist

Simon is a psychiatrist who has worked for 14 years to lower cancer patients’ mortality rates. He is crucial in treating depression and other skin cancer-related side effects that occasionally hinder treatment. He addresses mental health and social aspects of cancer in patients. Simon is a local, and he can easily speak the native language, which helps to communicate with the staff and local patients effectively.

Registered dietitian

Mark has 18 years of experience and is a registered dietitian. He has passed a national board exam and is a nutrition and diet expert. He specializes in cancer care in areas like patient weight management. Mark collaborates with patients and the medical team to control the diet of skin cancer patients. Mark is a Christian and belongs to West Virginia. He knows about the religious beliefs and ethical concerns of the patients related to diet plans.

Patient Service Representative

Cristopher has been a patient representative for the past 17 years. When skin cancer patients arrive at the hospital, he is their first point of contact. He is an essential team member as he gathers patient data, aids with the mandatory paperwork, and performs administrative responsibilities. He has been to many countries and is aware of the ethical beliefs, norms, and values of the stakeholders.

Team Leader

Dermatologist

Maria has been a dermatologist in the oncology department for 12 years. She has received special training in procedures, finding out about the severity and stage of the disease, and identifying and treating cancer. She also removes cancerous growths through procedures like biopsies and surgery.

Innovative leadership

When tackling issues associated with a complex disease like skin cancer, innovative leadership typically emphasizes providing a fresh and innovative point of view and

assisting team members in developing alternative perspectives. According to Kremer et al. (2019), this leadership style helps to solve problems or make the most of limited resources.

Transformational leadership

Siangchokyoo et al. (2019) claim that a healthcare organization led by a transformational leader employs an interdisciplinary strategy to achieve its goals. A transformational leader seeks input from staff and the community and determines the need for organizational change based on health outcome data.

This leadership approaches help the leaders to perform their job appropriately and communicate with other team members in a more effective way that ensures the success of the program to decrease the mortality rate in cancer patients.

·         A leader must demonstrate the quality of emotional intelligence in a healthcare organization. A leader can use this skill to understand better and control their emotions and those of their team members. Communicating with team members effectively enables the team leader to comprehend team members’ aspirations. Leaders and their teams benefit from good empathy when they can communicate continuously. It promotes growth and increases productivity (Momeny & Gourgues, 2019).

Stakeholders

Title/Role or Affiliation

Connection to the

Project

How Affected/Impacted by

Project?

Contribution to the Project

Healthcare staff in Oncology department

Monitoring and screening cancer patients at regular intervals and educating the cancer patients

about the severity of

The participants effectively impact the project by communicating and discussing aspects of the program with a team.

They will guide patients, perform screening tests and allow direct communication between skin cancer patients and doctors.

their condition in

different ways.

Health Promotion Organizations/ American Association f