First and foremost, listen. Listen to what is being said and what you see. As for you being the patient, express what your needs are. Patient education has to be delivered many times and many different ways in order for the patient to "GET IT". Some of the information is totally lost as the only word that was heard, was Cancer! Don't think that your spouse heard anymore than you do as you sit there listening to the doctor explain what is going on and what is going to happen and what lies ahead. Decisions can change too as more information is gathered and more results come in. It means more than just giving them the information of what the standard of care it, it is allowing discussion and looking at what the patient needs are as well as the family. This conversation should provide meaningful communication and whether or not there are choices to be made and what are the patient rights. This is an evolving process for the patient and the healthcare provider and listening is one key aspect. I know for myself that at one point during my chemo treatment, I had a planned trip with my daughter for her senior year that had been in the works for three years prior to my diagnosis. The options were discussed and possible outcomes and what the ramifications where. A decision was made but with all parties involved and after much discussion and it was something that worked for all of us in the end. Ask your questions and don't be afraid to look to alternatives if you just aren't comfortable in what is planned to be implemented. Be part of the process and invoke the decision making with your doctor and your family. This will make it a better day! S
What do you need to make decisions regarding your care and what decisions need to be made? So often you here, well what did you do? Or you might also hear, "if I was your wife, what would you recommend" to the doctor. Sometimes it makes me feel like what happens when you recommend a certain restaurant. That particular night that I was there, I had an outstanding meal and it tasted great, good company, and great service. It could be on another night, the experience might not be the same or my likes and dislikes are different than yours and my expectations are my own. So how does a healthcare professional help you make the best decision for you?
First and foremost, listen. Listen to what is being said and what you see. As for you being the patient, express what your needs are. Patient education has to be delivered many times and many different ways in order for the patient to "GET IT". Some of the information is totally lost as the only word that was heard, was Cancer! Don't think that your spouse heard anymore than you do as you sit there listening to the doctor explain what is going on and what is going to happen and what lies ahead. Decisions can change too as more information is gathered and more results come in. It means more than just giving them the information of what the standard of care it, it is allowing discussion and looking at what the patient needs are as well as the family. This conversation should provide meaningful communication and whether or not there are choices to be made and what are the patient rights. This is an evolving process for the patient and the healthcare provider and listening is one key aspect. I know for myself that at one point during my chemo treatment, I had a planned trip with my daughter for her senior year that had been in the works for three years prior to my diagnosis. The options were discussed and possible outcomes and what the ramifications where. A decision was made but with all parties involved and after much discussion and it was something that worked for all of us in the end. Ask your questions and don't be afraid to look to alternatives if you just aren't comfortable in what is planned to be implemented. Be part of the process and invoke the decision making with your doctor and your family. This will make it a better day! S
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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