How can physicians learn from cancer patients to improve care?

The insights of cancer patients on their experiences of care, can help physicians to understand what is important to such patients. However, it is not simple for every patient and for every physician to have this honest dialogue, there are many factors that indeed make it challenging. I believe though, that capturing these patient insights and perspectives with methods that then translate them into part of the ?evidence“ which physicians use to make clinical care decisions (e.g, via formative research and publishing in scientific channels) can have a greater impact for more patients, as it then becomes systematic and truly integrated into medical practice.

When cancer care teams ask the patient about their concerns, ask about non-medical concerns. Oftentimes, patients are most worried about being able to function in their “before cancer” roles; as partners, parents, caregivers and workers. Inquiring about the impact of cancer on one’s life not only acknowledges the person as not only a patient, but as a person with a full-life that’s been abruptly disrupted. Asking these questions also enables the team to connect the patient and family with resources that can help alleviate the inevitably strain and worry that a cancer diagnosis places on the entire family system.

As my organization works for Blood Cancer so I can give better answers. By actively listening to their perspectives, involving them in decision-making, and considering their holistic well-being, we can provide more personalized and effective care. We can also learn from their fears and anxieties and help them become active advocates for their own health. By valuing their perspectives and continuously seeking to learn from them, we can make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients.

The experience of cancer is not only destructive in a physical way, but is a major deterrent to fighting attitude and hope to live. As healthcare professionals, we have always been fascinated by the power of the hope to live. The hope to live is a force within all of us to fight for survival when our lives are threatened by a disease such as cancer. It is one of the main reason why two patients of similar ages & with the same diagnosis, clinical status, and treatment modality, experience different treatment outcomes. However, they all go through a similar process of psychological recovery. Hope is nourished by the way we live our lives. As long as fear & pain in mind are controlled, life can be lived fully until the last breath.

Listening. When we were students the doctors always taught us "the patient will tell us what's wrong if we just listen." A couple of months ago we did a lot of trips to the oncology centre in the capuy. I listened to patients for hours as we transport them to oncology centre 400km away. I went to our local oncology centre and asked about the concerns of the patients. She seemed very aware and very passionate, however there was a power play, and she had to abide by them The oncology centre in the capital was the controlling body for all oncology centres. If they decided a patient must go there the doctor had no choice. So it came to be that we explained this to the patients and turned them into their own advocates.

Adding something along the lines of “being in collaboration with other healthcare professionals as well (such as PT, etc.), allows for better care to be provided to the patient.

Agreed. Intraprofessional collaboration and care allows for the care team to learn from one another, truly advocate for the patient and their needs while addressing issues and concerns that otherwise may be missed without. We need more of that and true meaningful dialogue to occur between the care team, providers and patients.

As a hospice nurse, I realize the need for collaboration with chaplains, ministers, social workers and, of course, family and loved ones.

I agree, effectively communicating and collaborating with the patient is an important part of the clinical management process. It is important to involve the patient in creating and modifying their care plans. By involving them in the decision making process we empower them to fully appreciate our efforts and adhere to treatments. It also reduces the possibility of errors and dissatisfaction.

I agree and the provider needs to be upfront and honest. I have experienced too many situations where the physician empowers the patient/family down an unsuccessful pathway. Give real outcome possibilities for varying options and not be afraid of hurting feelings.

I have seen firsthand the anger and internal conflict produced by cancer. I believe, that while it’s difficult, try to be understanding of these powerful emotions. And also: emotional healing may be as greatly needed healing as physical is, and I don’t believe full physical healing is possible without emotional and psychological healing. Humans are interdependently crafted, and this requires full spectrum care.

If the physician sees the person being the patient they will enjoy all the triumphs of the patient but unfortunately that means they will also sorrow at the lows. The Appreciate and Celebrate sounds like a good idea but the line needs to be found where to stop. Care giver fatigue can set in, the emotional attachment can effect the physicians bias when to involved. There needs to be clear boundaries between the patient and the family of the patient. Physicians after all still remain human and therefore addicted by human nature.

Celebrate them for achieving victories- regardless of size. Positivity is SO needed. One of the best examples of this us from a friend who has actively used positivity of mindset as an effective weapon. My admiration of her cannot be overstated.

I agree! Burnout is very prevalent in health care. It’s important for the provider to take care of themselves, too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and doing what they enjoy outside of work is important.

I seem to get ahead of myself. The Stoics can help. There are many short clips that can help handle burdens, making sense, reaching realisation, and finding acceptance that results in peace.

Not caring for self in a healthy way robs self and others. If I as the nurse, am not in stable health, I am not giving the best of what I have to offer to patients in my care. Additionally- I risk personal misery. What a rip off! Simple to understand and do.

In some end-stage oncologic cases, like in stomach cancer, pain is what highly affects their living quality. However, The medical team focus in most cases is the continuation of the treatment, regardless of the patient’s preference. Although we are about to follow treatment guidelines and act within specific framework ,humanistic emotions and feelings, pain-control, and patient’s peace of mind priotization must be the top concern in near-the-end-of-life care-recievers.

The medical and surgical side of cancer care must advocate for more seamless access to the support/palliative care systems which are absolutely necessary for patient and caregiver emotional recovery. Although many top notch certified cancer treatment centers do have these programs, the patient is generally on their own connecting to these support groups, pain management, financial assistance, depression and anxiety, physical rehabilitation and dietetics. It is especially difficult for patients post treatment when depression and anxiety make spending time navigating on their own extremely difficult.