Red Door Community is dedicated to helping anyone impacted by cancer, that includes supporting individuals as they prepare for important medical appointments through the Open to Options™ (O2O) program.
O2O is an evidence-based approach to treatment decision support. The Cancer Support Community (CSC), in collaboration with the Education Network to Advance Cancer Clinical Trials (ENACCT), developed and evaluated the Open to Options™ program to help patients communicate more effectively with their health care team in order to arrive at the treatment decision that is right for them.
Our O2O Trained Counselors are able to guide cancer patients, in a non-directive way, to anticipate their questions and concerns while describing their individual situations, medical options and personal goals, in advance of an upcoming medical appointment. The goal is to ensure all patient questions get answered and all concerns are addressed so a well-informed decision can be made with confidence. Trained Counselors help the patient develop and organize a Question List (QL) which becomes a reference point for the patient to use to guide the conversation about the various treatment options available to the patient. The very act of developing and referring to the QL can help the patient feel empowered, focused and more in control of the conversation simultaneously helping to reduce stress.
O2O participants report feeling less anxious about their consultation, more confident walking in with a list of questions and getting the answers they need to make important decisions about their treatment. Doctors have reported that patients walk in more prepared after participating in O2O. In the end, the patient and doctor are working together as a team.
To schedule an appointment with a Red Door Community Open to Options™ Specialist, please call 212-647-9700.