Desk offers everything but a bellhop
October 1, 1999 2 minutes read
Desk offers everything but a bellhop
Complementing services offered at learning center
A $45,000 grant from a pharmaceutical company made it possible for City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA, to create a supportive care resource desk in the lobby of the ambulatory care building. The area is set up similar to a hotel concierge desk, with a full-time coordinator distributing pamphlets, looking up information on the computer, or responding to questions about hospital support services.
"The type of health information provided at the desk tends to be focused on managing symptoms or cancer-related pain," says Annette Mercurio, MPH, CHES, director of health education services at the national cancer center.
Its location makes it handy for outpatients on their way to a physician appointment or chemo therapy treatment. Patients can stop by the desk for materials to read to pass the time. They can also check out CD players and tape players so they can listen to music during treatment.
The resource desk is actually a small resource center. It is an alcove with two chairs in front of the coordinator’s desk. There is also a computer patients can access and a TV-VCR that displays relaxation videos that show beautiful scenery accompanied by instrumental music. The desk is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The coordinator gets quick questions. Many patients stop to ask about a service or a need. "If the coordinator identifies a patient or caregiver who wants more in-depth information and has time to look over books or wants to see a video, she will send the patient to the learning center," says Mercurio.
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