THE SUCCESS of a cancer patient’s treatment is not solely determined by medical aspects. Non-medical aspects unknowingly contribute significantly to the success of a cancer patient’s treatment.
“What are the non-medical aspects? Among them, patient understanding of medical information and treatment flow, availability of support systems such as family or patient relations during treatment, transportation and halfway houses, as well as psychosocial support,” said Prof. DR Dr. Soehartati Gondhowiardjo Sp Onk Rad (K), senior medical staff of radiation oncology at RSCM-FKUI and Coordinator of Integrated Cancer Services at RSCM, on the sidelines of the Patient Navigator (PN) Program Training at the RSCM Radiotherapy Building, Jakarta, Friday (13/9).
According to him, the existence of patient navigators as friends for cancer patients during treatment is very important considering their role can ease the burden of non-medical aspects of patients, thereby increasing compliance with treatment and increasing the success of therapy.
“From various studies, the non-medical aspects of these patients contribute more than 50% in supporting the healing of cancer patient therapy,” he said.
It explains patient navigator generally is survivor/cancer survivors who have experience as cancer patients, have undergone a long series of cancer treatments, and understand what cancer patients need and feel.
“Patient navigator are those who work with patients to solve their problems and understand the medical system,” he said.
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Soehartati continued that a patient navigator needs to be equipped with training to improve competence in dealing with patients and fellow health workers.
“They need knowledge, science and communication skills, and must also understand emergency codes in hospitals before going into the field,” he added.
Head of the Cancer Information & Support Center (CISC) Aryanthi Baramuli Putri added that the current patient navigator training was attended by around 47 cancer survivors with an average age of 40 years.
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They were given two months of training from July 12 to September 13, 2024, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (ACS BEACON).
They received 16 modules from ACS and local content such as the basics of cancer, approaches to cancer therapy management from a surgical, systemic, radiation, and supportive therapy perspective such as nutrition, medical rehabilitation, palliative, communication skills and basic life support, emergency drills, and back to work for cancer patients.
“We hope that the collaboration between RSCM and ACS BEACON in this patient navigator training can be developed and applied to a number of regional public hospitals that have cancer services,” he concluded. (H-2)
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Table of Contents
The Power of Patient Navigators: How Cancer Survivors are Helping to Increase Treatment Success
When it comes to cancer treatment, medical aspects are just one piece of the puzzle. Non-medical factors, often overlooked, play a significant role in the success of a patient’s therapy. One crucial element is the support system, comprising family, friends, and patient navigators – cancer survivors who have gone through the same journey. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of patient navigators and how they are contributing to the success of cancer treatment.
Understanding Non-Medical Aspects
According to Prof. DR Dr. Soehartati Gondhowiardjo Sp Onk Rad (K), a senior medical staff of radiation oncology at RSCM-FKUI, non-medical aspects of cancer treatment are often underestimated. These aspects include patient understanding of medical information and treatment flow, availability of support systems, transportation, halfway houses, and psychosocial support. These factors can significantly impact the outcome of treatment, with studies suggesting that they contribute more than 50% to the success of cancer therapy.
The Role of Patient Navigators
A patient navigator is typically a cancer survivor who has undergone extensive treatment and understands the needs and feelings of patients. They work alongside patients to resolve problems, navigate the medical system, and provide emotional support. “Patient navigators are those who work with patients to solve their problems and understand the medical system,” explains Prof. Dr. Soehartati.
Training and Equipping Patient Navigators
To ensure the effectiveness of patient navigators, they require training to improve their competence in dealing with patients and healthcare professionals. This includes acquiring knowledge, science, and communication skills, as well as understanding emergency codes in hospitals. The current patient navigator training, attended by 47 cancer survivors, is a testament to this effort. The two-month training program, conducted from July 12 to September 13, 2024, was a collaborative effort between the Cancer Information & Support Center (CISC) and the American Cancer Society, Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (ACS BEACON).
The Impact of Patient Navigators
By providing emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance, patient navigators can ease the burden of non-medical aspects of cancer treatment. This, in turn, increases patient compliance with treatment and enhances the success of therapy. The presence of patient navigators can also help reduce anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation that often accompany cancer diagnosis.
Conclusion
patient navigators play a vital role in the success of cancer treatment. By understanding the needs of patients and providing emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance, they can help ease the burden of non-medical aspects of treatment. As Prof. Dr. Soehartati aptly puts it, “The existence of patient navigators as friends for cancer patients during treatment is very important, considering their role can ease the burden of non-medical aspects of patients, thereby increasing compliance with treatment and increasing the success of therapy.”
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Not for World War, Nuclear is Safe for Thyroid Treatment Therapy
Prevent Delays in Leukemia Treatment in Children
Keyword Tags: cancer treatment, patient navigators, cancer survivors, non-medical aspects, medical information, treatment flow, support systems, transportation, halfway houses, psychosocial support, radiation oncology, American Cancer Society, Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (ACS BEACON)
Meta Description: Discover the significance of patient navigators in cancer treatment and how they can increase treatment success by providing emotional support and practical assistance.
Header Tags:
H1: The Power of Patient Navigators: How Cancer Survivors are Helping to Increase Treatment Success
H2: Understanding Non-Medical Aspects
H2: The Role of Patient Navigators
H2: Training and Equipping Patient Navigators
H2: The Impact of Patient Navigators
H2: Conclusion
The Power of Patient Navigators: How Cancer Survivors are Helping to Increase Treatment Success
When it comes to cancer treatment, medical aspects are just one part of the equation. Non-medical aspects, such as patient understanding, support systems, transportation, and psychosocial support, also play a crucial role in determining the success of treatment. One often overlooked aspect is the role of patient navigators, who can significantly enhance the cancer treatment experience for patients.
What are Patient Navigators?
Patient navigators are trained individuals who work with patients to solve their problems and understand the medical system. They are often cancer survivors themselves, having undergone a long series of cancer treatments and understanding what cancer patients need and feel. This unique perspective enables them to provide emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance to patients navigating the complex healthcare system.
The Importance of Patient Navigators in Cancer Treatment
According to Prof. DR Dr. Soehartati Gondhowiardjo Sp Onk Rad (K), senior medical staff of radiation oncology at RSCM-FKUI, non-medical aspects contribute more than 50% to the success of cancer patient therapy. Patient navigators can help ease the burden of these non-medical aspects, increasing compliance with treatment and ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes.
Training and Equipping Patient Navigators
To be effective, patient navigators need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training. The Cancer Information & Support Center (CISC) recently conducted a two-month training program for 47 cancer survivors, aged 40 on average, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (ACS BEACON). The training program covered 16 modules, including the basics of cancer, approaches to cancer therapy management, communication skills, and basic life support.
The Benefits of Patient Navigators
The presence of patient navigators can have a significant impact on the cancer treatment experience for patients. By providing emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance, patient navigators can:
Ease the burden of non-medical aspects of treatment
Increase compliance with treatment
Improve treatment outcomes
Enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life
* Provide valuable insights and support to healthcare providers
Conclusion
The role of patient navigators in cancer treatment cannot be overstated. By providing support, guidance, and emotional backing, patient navigators can help increase treatment success and improve the overall cancer treatment experience for patients. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of patient navigators and invest in their training and development.
Keywords: Cancer, Patient, Support, Survivors, Treatment, Success, Patient Navigators, Cancer Treatment, Healthcare.
Meta Description: Learn how patient navigators, trained cancer survivors, are helping to increase treatment success by providing emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance to cancer patients.