The Fearless Patient Advocate

Kathleen Coughlin, although small in stature, is often referred to as the “Bulldozer.” This appropriate nickname is a direct result of her steadfast determination to break down every barrier that patients and their caregivers encounter throughout their cancer journey. Kathleen believes that patients and their families should be able to place all of their energy into healing. Unfortunately, typically that is not the case for most patients who deal with hardships such as insurance coverage, financial well-being, transportation and child care issues. Kathleen does the extraordinary work of taking the time to truly know and understand her patients and the obstacles they encounter.

Recently, Kathleen had a patient who opted to forgo treatment because of transportation issues. All available resources were depleted, so Kathleen introduced him to another patient who lived in his area and also had received a bone marrow transplant (BMT). These patients and their families were both traveling into the city 2 to 3 times each week. The families were able to support each other and assist with transportation. They have now become extended family and each other’s lifeline. Kathleen realized the profound impact connecting these families had on their well-being. She went on to develop a BMT support group that is regularly attended by patients and their caregivers. This has provided another layer of psychological support, which is so critically needed. This group expressed a desire to continue networking by developing a yearly BMT wellness day. In 2024, Kathleen organized an event in which survivors and their families enjoyed a day making new connections as well as participating in reiki, yoga, massage and art therapy.

In addition to the above, Kathleen has identified gaps in health care systems and is brave enough to institute change. She noted that patients with sickle cell anemia who presented in crisis often encountered disjointed care. Each patient required different levels of narcotics to manage their crisis, and often prescribers who were unfamiliar with the patient had reservations about prescribing high doses of analgesics. This reluctance resulted in patients with sickle cell anemia feeling frustrated and unheard and having to deal with unmanaged pain levels. Some patients expressed mistrust in health care providers as a result of the constant need to negotiate their pain management. Disheartened by this, Kathleen empathized and knew she needed to advocate for this at-risk population of patients. She identified the need to provide education to the emergency room staff so that they felt equipped to treat patients who present in crisis. Providers were shown how to develop a pain crisis management plan that was agreed upon by the patient and was well documented in the health medical records. She also made it her mission to educate providers and nursing staff so they felt better equipped to treat a patient who presents in sickle cell crisis. These interventions led to patients feeling supported, as well as staff feeling safe in their practice.

In addition to all of the above, Kathleen leads a practice of nurse practitioners and a hematology/oncology BMT unit. She understands the importance of ensuring nurses are well supported in their roles so that they can provide optimal care for patients. She, without a doubt, is an Extraordinary Healer, and we are so grateful for the example she is to us.