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Patient Journey

The cancer journey is not an easy road to travel without the support and guidance of your health care provider.

At BC Cancer – Vancouver, while the main focus is on treating cancer, we also offer a wide variety of resources to help you and your loved ones cope during this difficult time. Click the tabs below for more information on what to expect during the patient journey and links to helpful resources.

Your first visit
Your first visit is for consultation and planning. A clerk may call you before your first visit to register you and get some information, such as your family doctor's name. You may also get a call from a nurse. The purpose of this call is to collect information about your medical history. If you do not get a call, don't worry – we will get the information from you at your first visit.

What to expect

When you arrive, check in at Main Reception. The receptionist will tell you where to go for your appointment. During your first visit, you will get a new patient brochure with contact details and important information about BC Cancer. You will also meet members of your cancer care team. They will learn about you, and together, make plans for your care. 

Before seeing your oncologist, you will spend about 30 minutes with a nurse. The nurse will talk with you and ask questions. 

At the end of your first visit, we will give you an appointment card which will have your next appointments written on it.

If you need help, please call 604-877-6000 or toll-free (within BC) 1-800-663-3333.  

Guidebook for Patients

For more information about what to expect during a first visit, download the Guidebook for Patients.

How to prepare
Please bring the following items with you to your first visit:

  • Your BC Services/BC Care Card
  • One piece of photo ID
  • A list of current medications (including pain medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, etc.)
  • Reading glasses, if you need them
  • The names and telephone numbers (work and home) of two contact people
  • Information on your health history and any allergies that you may have
  • X-rays or other diagnostic images that you may have been given
  • A list of questions to ask
  • A pen and notepad (optional)

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you need assistance communicating, bring an interpreter, ask a member of the healthcare team to request one on your behalf. An interpreter may remain with you throughout your visit.

 

Yes, you may bring your cellular phone. While visiting BC Cancer – Vancouver, cellular phones may be left on but in vibrate mode only. We ask patients and families not to use cell phones in the consultation or treatment areas.

Yes, you may bring someone with you for support. Having a family member or friend around is a great way to help you remember what was said. They may remain with you throughout your visit.

In consideration of those who have scent-related allergies, please do not wear scented products while visiting.

For more information on transportation assistance to and from cancer treatment appointments at BC Cancer – Vancouver, visit Transportation & Lodging.

If you have changed your address, please tell the check-in clerk or call Transcription Services at 604-877-6000 ext. 2349 about changes in your address, phone number or family physician.

 

No, smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the grounds of BC Cancer – Vancouver.

Because of the length of your visit, we suggest you have a meal before coming, or a snack in the restaurant on Level 1 (unless otherwise instructed).
When you are receiving care at BC Cancer, our staff and physicians will collect personal information from you. Where permitted, BC Cancer will also collect information about you from other health care providers or health care organizations.

Collecting, using and sharing your personal information
Your information may be entered into our electronic health information systems to assist authorized persons in quickly accessing pertinent information wherever you may be receiving care or services. 

We collect, use and share your personal information under the primary authority of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”). FIPPA and other legislations authorize us to use and share your personal information for these reasons:

  • to identify you and keep in contact with you about your health care
  • to provide ongoing care and support of care activities
  • to help us plan, monitor, maintain and improve our care and services,
  • for education and training (e.g. medical students) and to conduct research with consent or as permitted by law
  • to know your eligibility for benefits and services and to arrange medical services billing
  • to enable parties (e.g. Ministry of Health Services, Canadian Institute of Health Information) to confirm your identity, conduct planning and improvement activities, measure performance and fund healthcare 
  • to analyze, manage and control disease outbreaks and monitor the overall health of people 
  • as required by law (e.g. court order, reportable conditions) and as authorized by FIPPA
Your health information will be provided to your referring physician, other authorized health care professionals and their support staff, or health care agencies and facilities involved in your care to support continuous and consistent care and service. In some cases, these health professionals may look up your health information in our electronic health information systems in order to provide you with direct or supporting services.

You may request access to your health record by contacting the Release of Information Office in the cancer centre where you are receiving your treatment.

eHealth and your information
eHealth is a provincial initiative that allows certain aspects of your health information to be accessed by authorized health care professionals throughout the province and not just within a particular region. Each health authority sends specific health information to a province-wide electronic information system, where it is stored with strict protections and used for limited and authorized purposes. For more information about eHealth, please visit the government eHealth website.

Resources
The effects of dealing with cancer can present unique challenges to your body, mind, relationships and lifestyle. Our Coping with Cancer section has helpful information to assist you in your journey, covering a number of topics, including:

Our Supportive Care page has information on support services available to you including counselling, art therapy and more. 

Additional resources

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SOURCE: Patient Journey ( )
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