Insights - Summer 2010 - (Page 46)
Helping Non-terminal Cancer Patients Cope E
By Sherri Weisenfluh, LCSW, ACHP-SW
ven when the prognosis is good, being told you have cancer can and often does have the power to scare us. Research by Kenneth Doka1 found that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness is second only to the knowledge of dying itself in causing stress. Fear and stress are often rampant in healthcare, and some hospitals employ oncology social workers to help patients cope. But what happens to cancer patients outside of the hospital setting? When Dr. Oscar Mendiondo, a radiation oncologist, paused to consider this question, he turned to one of the few healthcare providers in his community that view a patient holistically— Hospice of the Bluegrass (HOB). Through his volunteer work as a community medical associate with HOB, he had experienced the many benefits of an interdisciplinary team. Because that had left such an impression, he began to consider utilizing a social
worker to benefit the cancer patients in his private practice. Ultimately Dr. Mendiondo asked HOB to find a way to provide psychosocial services to his patients. Discussions between the two parties led to a contract, and the social worker began to develop a program for assessing oncology patients who are undergoing radiation treatment. Questions that HOB staff considered as the new arrangement was formulated included: What services would the social worker provide? How would clinical and administrative supervision continue to occur? How would coverage be arranged during sick and vacation leave? Questions from Dr. Mendiondo’s perspective included: How to integrate the social worker into a busy practice? Should all patients be assessed? What would need to be documented? What services would most benefit patients?
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Insights
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - Summer 2010
Insights - Summer 2010
Table of Contents
Is it Time to Diversify?
Expanding Care in Your Community
Gaining Community Physician Support
A Collaboration that's Helping ALS Patients
Physical Therapy - Premise, Present, Promise
Complementary Therapy in the Care Continuum
The Evolution of Hospice & Palliative CareCenter's CT Program
Integrating Touch Therapies into the CNA's Practice
The Circle of Care
Taking Your Volunteer Program to the Next Level
Making a Case for Complex Care Management
Helping Non-terminal Cancer Patients Cope
Advance Care Planning Education
Spanish Oaks Hospice: Doing Its Part to Improve Access
Caring for Our Loved Ones - and for Our Caregivers
My.NHPCO - Care, Share, Connect
Why Hospice?
NHPCO's Educational Offerings
Insights - Summer 2010
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