michael j. callahan, m.d. gynecologic oncologist st. vincent cancer care st. vincent indianapolis...
Post on 23-Dec-2015
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MICHAEL J. CALLAHAN, M.D.GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGISTST. VINCENT CANCER CAREST. VINCENT INDIANAPOLIS
CARING FOR THE WHOLE PATIENT
What does it mean to “care for the whole patient?”
Often, we (healthcare providers) cannot control the disease or its consequences, but we can control how we interact with, communicate with, and care for patients and their families, in providing information and guidance in a caring and compassionate manner
Typically, PHYSICAL effects of ovarian cancer and its treatment garner the most attention
However, EMOTIONAL and SOCIAL needs are critically important
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS
Lack of information and support/isolation
Emotional difficulties (depression/anxiety)
Lack of transportation, financial resources, socioeconomic barriers
Work, school, family disruptions
OVARIAN CANCER: BACKGROUND
Majority of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage
With aggressive surgery and chemotherapy, many women will achieve remission
However, many women will experience recurrence of their ovarian cancer; where the focus of treatment and care may shift from cure to palliative treatment and supportive care
The paradigm of ovarian cancer as a CHRONIC ILLNESS
AT THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS
What interaction needs to occur between patient and physician?
Most patients do not hear beyond the word “CANCER”
Education session, pictures, different styles of learning, extra sets of “ears” (tape recorder)
Forming a partnership“What questions should I ask?”“What would you do?”
AS TREATMENT COMMENCES
Seek support and outlets (support group, family/friends)
Writing in a journalArtReflection/PrayingReadingOther hobbies/activities
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Very common among women with cancerCan interfere with cancer therapy and
impede response to treatmentIncreasing fatigueInability to make decisions/choicesAffects quality of life
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Treatment centers around:Reducing stressorsRelaxation techniquesCounselingMedicationCombinations of the above
SELF-IMAGE AND CANCER
Positive: appreciation of inner strength, life is special, shift in priorities
Negative: anger, lack of control, sadness, fear, frustration, guilt
Strategies: take control, humor, support groups, social services/counseling
AS TREATMENT IS COMPLETED
Coping with fear of recurrence:Accept fear, lessens over time (ways to
manage anxiety)Don’t worry in isolation (support groups)Partnership with physician, follow-up
schedule, etc. (taking control)Be well informed (symptoms, timelines)Healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise)Reduce stress
A WORD CONCERNING PALLIATIVE CARE
From the Latin palliare, meaning “to cloak”
PALLIATIVE CARE
Goal: improve quality of life, and relieve and prevent suffering
Compatible with ALL STAGES OF CANCER THERAPY (curable disease, chronic illness, nearing end of life)
Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, psychologists, other health professionals
Multidisciplinary care to address physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs
Support for patient AND family/friends/caregivers
CARING FOR THE WHOLE PATIENT
Often, we (healthcare providers) cannot control the disease or its consequences, but we can control how we interact with, communicate with, and care for patients and their families, in providing information and guidance in a caring and compassionate manner
THANK YOU
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