Upload
leo-carr
View
212
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Claudia Lasys, MSW, LCSW, OSW-CClinical Therapist/Oncology Social Worker
Ashley Pollock, BSN, RN, OCN Oncology Resource Coordinator
Krista VeihlBreast Cancer Survivor
Three Perspectives of Psychosocial Needs of Oncology Patients
OverviewThe needs of the oncology patient can often times be daunting for
the health care provider, not to mention for the patient who is trying to navigate her way through diagnosis, treatment and post treatment issues.
One of the initial needs of the patient is to be “heard.” Many times as health care providers we try to fix what ails the patient when in reality all the patient really wants is to tell her story, to be understood and to identify what she views as her needs.
It is important to think of the entire person in providing care: physical, emotional, spiritual and the concrete needs.
Active Listening Definition
According to the University of Colorado, Conflict Research Consortium, “Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding”.
Often times the patient wants to be able to tell her story as a way to reveal concerns, fears and needs.
Active listening is a structured form of listening and responding that focuses the attention on the speaker. The listener must take care to attend to the speaker fully, and then repeats, in the listener’s own words, what she thinks the speaker has communicated.
It is important to understand that the listener does not have to agree with the speaker, rather, she must simply state what she thinks she heard the speaker say. This type of listening enables the speaker to find out whether the listener really understood her message. If the listener misunderstood, the speaker can clarify her message.
Benefits of Active Listening Forces people to listen attentively to others.
Decreases or avoids misunderstandings, as individuals have to confirm that they understand what the other person has said.
It allows for more open conversation between the individuals.
If the speaker feels like the listener is attuned to her concerns and wants to listen, she is likely to explain in detail how she is feeling and be able to identify her needs.
See Basic Communication Techniques Handout.
Active Listening - Discussion
Importance of active listening
Impact of active listening
Communicating Impact of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Active listening in communicating impact
Empathy
Allow patient to guide
Patient perspective
Assisting patients with response to diagnosis, treatment & adjustment
Quality of Life
Financial Concerns
Work related issues
Family dynamics
Intimacy/ Relationship
Spiritual
Quality of Life
Side Effects from treatment
Impact of cancer
Therapeutic management ideas
Financial Concerns
Insurance related questions
Continue to have an income
Co-pay
Bill payment
Insurance difficulties following treatment
Work Related Issues
Ability to continue working
Flexibility of employer
Family Dynamics
Who will be impacted by this diagnosis?
Is patient the primary caregiver for family?
What family members will be directly involved?
Intimacy/Relationship
Impact of cancer on relationships
Impact of treatment on intimacy
Spiritual
What is spirituality to the patient?
What thoughts or items bring comfort?
Identifying and Managing Distress
Many accrediting bodies for hospitals and cancer centers are instituting new standards of care for patients, specifically in the arena of psychosocial care.
The Commission on Cancer most recently issued that by 2012, in order for Cancer Centers to maintain accreditation, a measure for distress has to be in place and given to all new patients.
This measure is the Distress Thermometer. See NCCN Guidelines Version 1.2011 of the Distress Management Handout.
Closing Points
Try to meet the patient where they are; if this area is uncomfortable for you ask for assistance.
Remember active listening doesn’t mean agreeing with patient; rather you support and validate her point of view.
Look for creative ways to assist the patient on the “whole-person” approach; mind-body-soul.
Resources AOSW.org (Association of Oncology Social
Workers Cancer.org (American Cancer Society) Cancer.Net LIVESTRONG.org/cancersupport LIVESTRONG.org/cancertopics LIVESTRONG.org/forprofesionals Onconurse.com RXAssist.org
Blessing Hospital Resources Joyce Hildebrand, RN, OCN
Community Outreach Educator217.223.8400 x7718
Claudia Lasys, MSW, LCSW, OSW-COncology Social Worker/Clinical Therapist217.223.8400 x7717
Ashley Pollock, BSN, RN, OCNOncology Resource Coordinator217.223.8400 x7705
Krista Veihl, [email protected] or 217.617.8785 cell
Lori Wilkey, RN, ManagerBreast Center217.223.8400 x4280