We were pleased to have 26 participants join in the discussion. Additional analytics may be found here. And the complete transcript here.
Here is a quick overview of the topic questions and responses:
T1: Why is it important to think about who is on your health care team? Do you have a defined health care team?
- Consider post-Cancer experts you may need (ex. fertility), & recognize team members aren't all physicians (nurse navigators)
- my team is everyone who has helped me get through dx, treatment and now survivorship
- You have 2 be able 2 effectively communicate w/ your care team; these shouldn't be people you meet once & trust 4 optimal outcome
T2: Which professionals do you include in your health care team? What are some important roles to fill?
Professionals mentioned include:
medical oncologist
gynecologic oncologist
radiation oncologist
radiologist
nutritionist
genetic counselor
social worker
financial counselor
therapist
pharmacist
nurse (clinical trial, adv practice, treatment)
primary care physician
mental health support
gyn-urologist
Non-professionals
those who help with insurance , bills, transportation etc
patient groups
T3: What are some possibly over-looked or under-used health care professionals that can have an important impact?
radiologists
pelvic floor physical therapist
medical librarian
pharmacist
health coach
nutritionist
palliative care specialist
T4: Let's look at radiation oncology. What role does #radonc play on your team? Positives, negatives, ways to improve?
- T4 The role is coming more to forefront, care plan are being developed specifically for post-treatment for radonc profs
- Historically, while they may be part of care team, radonc was not weighted in the "patient engagement" strategy. That's changing
T5: For nursing, what have you found to be some of the most valuable impacts? What would you like to see improved?
- RNs have a huge role in connecting the dots behind the scenes & caring in clinics
- Listening skills and documentation competency!
- Nurses are also the front line when discussing issues of fertility and sexuality
T6: How do you handle communication and coordination between the members of your health care team?
- I think, unfortunately, that there is still a need for patients to have their own documentation to facilitate communication
- Patient is center of care team. Share concerns & ask questions. Improves communication & satisfaction.
- ask your clinic what options are available: phone calls, texts, secure/HIPAA compliant email, telemedicine might be available
- Sometimes I think the wisest course is to assume no one has heard anything from anyone else on the team, no matter how vital
Resources:
On Your Side: The Gynecologic Cancer Care Team via @SGO_org
https://www.sgo.org/patients-caregivers-survivors/gynecologic-oncology-video/
https://www.sgo.org/patients-caregivers-survivors/gynecologic-oncology-video/
Your cancer treatment team via @cancer_connect
http://news.cancerconnect.com/newly-diagnosed/your-cancer-treatment-team/
The Oncology Team via @CancerDotNet
http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/cancer-care-team/oncology-team
Board Certified Pharmacists as Team members
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCJyQtgruXQ&feature=youtu.be
List of team members via @CancerCare
http://www.cancercare.org/publications/59-your_health_care_team_your_doctor_is_only_the_beginning
National Society of Genetic Counselors
http://www.nsgc.org/
The must-have binder: my key to being an organized patient (or caregiver)
http://lisabadams.com/2011/03/16/the-binder-what-every-patient-should-have/
The next #gyncsm chat is Wednesday, December 14th at 9pmET. The topic is Getting Involved in Research.
See you next month.
Dee
Co-founder #gyncsm
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