Q & A to know - answers allowed to say to HCP/Pts Flashcards
How many hours/days/months do I have to wear the device?
I am Technical Support for the NovoTTF-100A system only and any medical questions or questions regarding treatment should be directed to your doctor.
When you tell patients their compliance %, they ask you what that means. How should you respond?
Your compliance percentage should be discussed with your doctor.
A patient call and states he is having alarms and it has been 4 days since the last array change. You recommend they try an array change, but the caregiver is gone until later that day and not available for an array change. The patient asks, “Is it OK if I just turn it off until my wife gets back to change the arrays?”
- Let me see if we can troubleshoot to make sure it is not an issue with any of the equipment.
- Is someone else available that can assist with the array preparation (if needed; if geographically feasible, offer to come out to assist in array preparation).
- I can’t give permission to take time off of treatment. Please contact your physician for any questions or concerns regarding your prescription.
A patient complains about the HCP/Site/Staff (non-novocure).
Inform your RM and provide details about what pt reports to you.
explain to the pt that you are technical support for the NovoTTF100A system and that any concerns about the site should be addressed with the site.
Patient calls you during the night and asks about medications that are OK to use and reports that chemo med making him nauseous.
Clinical: Explain you are technical support for the NovoTTF100A system and any medical questions should be directed to his doctor.
Comm: Explain you are technical support for the NovoTTF100A system and any medical questions should be directed to his doctor. Report medical complaint to Support@Novocure.com
DSS meets a patient for an array exchange and notices skin irritation. The day after, the DSS receives a call from a SC inquiring about details of the patient’s skin condition.
Clinical: Politely remind the nurse that you are responsible for technical training and troubleshooting and are not able to provide any medical information.
Comm: Politely remind the nurse that you are responsible for technical training and troubleshooting and are not able to provide any medical information. As needed, also get the CSL involved. In addition, a medical complaint should be submitted to Support@novocure.com
Briefly describe the DSS role
Provides Technical Training on the NovoTTF100A system to a patient, family member or caregiver and support the patient while on treatment.
Briefly describe Novocure
Novocure is an oncology company, founded by Dr. Professor Yoram Palti, in 2000, dedicated to the advancement of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy for patients with solid tumors.
Briefly describe the NovoTTF100A system
the Novocure TTF100A system is a completely new form of treatment for cancer. The NovoTTF-100A system produces alternating electrical fields within the human body that are inferred to disrupt the rapid cell division exhibited by cancer cells, with the alternating electrical fields applied ot the brain through transducer arrays placed on the scalp.
Does this treatment really work?
Upon compliance check, “Is it working so far”?
How does this treatment work?
How effective is this treatment?
How long will it take for the device to work?
This is a question that has to be discussed with your doctor. I am here to help you with any question that you might have related to equipment and troubleshooting. I am not able to provide any medical information.
How long do I need to be on this device? Hours, days, weeks, months?
So I only need to do 18 hours, after that I am good, right?
Can I turn off the device for (whatever reason)?
can I take a break in treatment?
Your healthcare provider has prescribed the NovoTTF-100A system and the duration of therapy is determined by him/her. Please consult with your physician.
Why do the devices keep malfunctioning? Does this happen a lot?
as with other electrical devices, the NovoTTF100A system can potentially be damaged. We have experts putting great efforts into improving the durability and mobility of this equipment.
Is there interference between the NovoTTF100A system and laptops/microwave/television/Wi-Fi/etc?
The NovoTTF100A system has been tested for a series of technical standards for safety and performance. This series includes electromagnetic compatibility which means testing to make sure the device does not improperly interfere with other electronic equipment or is interfered with by other electronic equipment. It is quite possible that some sensitive equipment is affected by the device if the affected device is not properly shielded (does not meet the same standards).
Can I use a car charger
The NovoTTF100A system is a portable battery operated device. The device is not designed to be plugged into a car charger. If you plan to be away from home for more than two hours, carry an extra battery and/or power supply with you in case the battery you are using runs out.
What should I do if I do get skin issues?
That’s a great question for your doctor. he or she will be able to discuss any matters with skin care with you. The only advice I can give is to shift your arrays at each exchange, keep your head well shaved, and apply alcohol before placing the arrays.
