TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing and DCH Health System have launched the Supportive Care Clinic at the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center, addressing a critical need for patients in the West Alabama community.
The clinic aims to provide specialized medical care while educating patients, caregivers, students, medical professionals and the community on caring for patients with serious illnesses. The focus is on alleviating physical, emotional, social and spiritual distress to enhance quality of life for patients and their families.
The model integrates a diverse team of health care professionals, including medical oncologists, nurses, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, navigators and nutritionists. Dr. Kristi Acker, associate professor at the Capstone College of Nursing and oncology and palliative certified nurse practitioner, will lead the clinic.
“Patients with complex health concerns, like cancer, require specialty care that addresses not only physical needs but also emotional, financial and spiritual needs,” Acker said. “This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to meet the challenges faced by our oncology community while training the nursing workforce to care for complex patient populations.”
The academic-practice clinic model enhances patient access to care and will provide more than 350 UA nursing students with unique clinical experiences.
“The palliative care clinic was one of the most unique and meaningful experiences in all of my nursing education,” Luke Aguayo, a senior UA nursing student, said. “It truly encompassed every aspect of nursing care — from advocacy and the full use of the nursing process to the development of leadership skills.”
“This type of clinical experience offers a comprehensive model for future nursing education, bridging lecture with practice in a way that will help future nursing classes navigate health care,” he said.
“The partnership strengthens our ability to enhance care while training the nurses of tomorrow,” said Dr. Mallary Myers, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the DCH Health System.
The collaboration between UA and DCH will also serve as a model for clinical research, education and future replication nationwide. Researchers will study the outcomes of this integrated approach to care, with the goal of eventually expanding supportive care to all patients — not just those with cancer.
“By leveraging the resources of these two esteemed organizations, the Supportive Care Clinic offers a strategic blueprint for growing the nursing workforce in oncology and beyond, while prioritizing improved patient outcomes,” Acker said.
The supportive care program is currently available for patients at the Manderson Cancer Center, and DCH plans to expand access to more patient populations in the near future.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.