Using Rapid Access Multidisciplinary Palliative Assessment to Improve Cancer Patient Experience?

 

The aim is to combine assessment by specialist professionals from palliative care and clinical oncology with the planning and delivery of palliative radiotherapy. The clinic will perform a process in a single half-day visit which normally takes 2-3 weeks and at least three separate appointments.

Palliative care uses a team approach to support patients and their caregivers. This includes addressing practical needs and providing bereavement counselling. It offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death

 Palliative care is given to improve the quality of life of cancer patients:

Palliative care is an approach to care that addresses the person as a whole, not just their disease. The goal is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatment, in addition to any related psychological, social, and spiritual problems.

Difficult cancer patient?

Talking With Someone Who Has Cancer

• 1.      Take your cues from the person with cancer. 
• 2.      Show support without words. 
• 3.      Choose your words carefully. 
• 4.      Practice active listening. 
• 5.      Use caution when asking questions. 
• 6.      Make sure it is okay to give advice. 

7.      Be honest about your feelings but do not overburden.

The meetings provide an opportunity to coordinate multiple clinical and social services that might be relevant for complex patient needs. Multidisciplinary team meetings enable palliative care teams to report patient deaths and offer an opportunity to discuss matters that are currently unclear or unresolved.

Palliative therapy in cancer examples:

Palliative therapy may help a person feel more comfortable, but it does not treat or cure the disease. For example, surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be given to remove, shrink, or slow the growth of a tumor that is causing pain.

  The best way to comfort someone with cancer:

Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy. Offer support throughout the whole diagnosis - at the beginning, during and after treatment.

 Multidisciplinary approach mode of treatment:

 An integrated, multidisciplinary approach is when multiple clinical experts work together in an organized manner to ensure the patient gets the best outcome possible.