Program Purpose:

To connect newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients preparing for surgery with trained patients (Patient Advocates) who will provide answers to patient questions based on their own surgical experience.

Phase 1: Outreach

1. Identify Candidates
   • Pull a list of the last 20 post-esophagectomy patients from your records.
2. Initial Contact
   • Call each patient and ask if they would be interested in joining a post-surgery Zoom support group.
     • Script: Highlight that the purpose is to connect with other survivors, share experiences, and provide mutual support.
3. Offer Meeting Options
   • Share the two existing support group schedules:
     • Second Thursday of each month at 8:00 PM EST
     • Third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST
   • If those times do not work, ask:
     • What day works best?
     • Do they prefer afternoon or evening sessions?
     • Note: Emphasize that surgeons are only available in the evenings, and that attending an existing meeting is encouraged if no new group time can be formed.
4. Meeting Registration
   • Direct interested patients to register via the provided link.
   • Collect the following during registration:
     • Hospital where their esophagectomy was performed.
     • Any issues or questions they would like addressed in the meeting.

Phase 2: Observation and Selection for Potential Patient Advocate

1. Observe Participants During Meeting
   • Monitor each participant’s:
     • Engagement level.
     • Willingness to share.
     • Communication style.
   • Identify potential advocate candidates.
2. Follow-Up with Potential Advocates
   • Reach out to selected individuals post-meeting to assess their interest in becoming a patient advocate.

Phase 3: Onboarding Patient Advocates

1. Institutional Requirements
   • Consult your institution’s volunteer services department to:
     • Understand policies on HIPAA compliance and patient privacy.
     • Determine what documentation, or training is required.
2. Advocate Orientation
   • Explain the advocate’s role:
     • Primary goal: Share personal experiences and answer pre-surgical patients’ questions simply based on their own surgical and post surgery time.
     • If a question is outside their experience, simply advise the patient to speak with their surgeon..

Phase 4: Advocate-Patient Interaction

1. Methods of Connection
   • Two options for advocate-to-patient interaction:
     • Option A: Advocate attends the patient’s first surgical consultation.
     • Option B: Advocate receives a secure email with:
       • Patient’s first name
       • Patient’s phone number
   • Advocate calls the patient, and then:
     • Emails the surgeon summarizing the conversation and highlighting any concerns raised.

Notes

• There is no cost to patients to join the support groups.
• Ensure clear documentation and consent processes are in place.
• Continue to gather feedback to improve the support group and advocate program