Coordinator (LEAP)

The NCCS Division of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy for Patients (LEAP) team is looking for a self-motivated and passionate Coordinator to join their team

The LEAP Program was launched in Nov 2019 with the aim to educate and empower our patients. The team consists of clinicians, scientists, research coordinators / patient navigators and supportive nurses, to take care of research and patient care.

The Coordinator role will serve as the main contact point for patients and helps them navigate the complex healthcare system. Although a lot of support services may have already been created even without this position, patients may still be too overwhelmed with information to know who to call or what to do. Often if they could just have a single point of contact who can guide them to the resources they need, answer their questions, or simply help to direct their questions to the right channels, this would be most optimal for both the patients, caregivers and the healthcare team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Navigation

Review (new) patients in clinic to understand their health background, current health literacy and psychosocial profile to assess their immediate needs (medical/psychosocial/supportive care/logistical etc) and make appropriate recommendations and referrals. Also to provide basic cancer and health related recommendations to prepare for their cancer journey (e.g. nutrition, what to expect during treatment etc).

• Treatment – scheduling, management of common side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy etc.
• Basic dietary counselling especially during chemotherapy
• Explain and reiterate rationale for genetics/fertility referrals
• Appropriately referring patients to resources: wigs, bras, hats, selecting appropriate information booklets by NCC
• Early identification and expedient referral referral to MSW/psychologists for emotional/psychosocial distress
• 30% of workload will be based in satellite clinics

2. Assist with patient queries post consultation

Assist with patient queries post consultation (in person and through text messaging platforms like Whatsapp and Telegram, calls and emails), including but not limited to:

• Providing guidance on supportive therapy for common side effects/toxicities of treatment
• Clarifications on appointments/chemotherapy slots OR shifting of appointments
• To call patients or direct face to face especially in settings where patients are less familiar with technology such as whatsapp/emails
• Queries are directed to the relevant specialists as necessary

3. Patient support, education, events and others

• Updating patient database to track patient's queries and progress (to close the loop and the necessary assistance is rendered)
• Provide patient education via sharing of articles on social media/website and making publicity materials for events
• Linking patients with organisations outside Singhealth (e.g. Singapore Cancer Society, Ain Society, pharmaceuticals etc.) and getting in touch with the necessary staff/departments that can assist patients and their concerns
• Planning and execution of events for patient support group and exercise group activities
• Coordinating Patient Advocate Meetings and meetings

Key Requirements:

• Degree in relevant discipline (prefer to have life science background)
• At least 2 years of relevant working experience in healthcare setting
• Good communication and people skills, compassionate, empathic
• Ability to interact and liaise with other departments and agencies including government bodies and private institutions
• Competent in using computer software and programs (to assess relevant patient information)
• Able to work independently with initiative and creativity
• Preferably effectively bilingual or fluent in local dialects to communicate with patients
• Preferably competent in using alternative forms of education platforms (e.g. social media) and reaching out to patients (e.g. networking platforms like whatsapp)