Effective communication between health care providers and patients
diagnosed with cancer is an essential part of the treatment process.
Communicating effectively ensures the patient is an active participant
throughout the treatment journey.
Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit that provides
support, education and hope to people affected by cancer, and Cephalon Inc.
commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct an online survey of physicians and
patients to compare and contrast views on diagnosis, treatment and side
effects.
Survey results revealed that improved communication, understanding and
information sharing between health care providers and patients is needed.
Recognizing the need for intervention, CSC developed Framing Life with Lymphoma, a program that provides
practical tips to patients on getting the most out of every appointment. The
program also offers information to health care professionals about guiding
patients through the communication process.
The articles in this HemOnc
Today supplement include perspectives from different members of the
health care team on how to communicate with patients from diagnosis through
treatment. Many of the suggestions may be obvious, but they are worth reviewing
because the process is fraught with confusion for most patients.
Chemotherapy nurses, who also play an important role as counselors and
liaisons, are particularly adept at reducing patient anxiety. For this, they
deserve our thanks, and we physicians should always remember to express our
appreciation.
I thank the faculty for their participation and Cephalon Inc. for
sponsoring this HemOnc Today
supplement.
Harry S. Jacob, MD, FRCPath(Hon)
Chief Medical Editor
HemOnc
Today