Work: A Lifeline for Patients with Chronic Illness
Table of Contents
- 1. Work: A Lifeline for Patients with Chronic Illness
- 2. The Importance of Work in Patient Care
- 3. Addressing the work-Health Connection
- 4. Leveraging Existing Resources
- 5. What specific work-related interventions can hospitals implement early in the patient care process too support the maintenance of work?
Desiree Dona, a clinical occupational medicine oncologist at Radboudumc, believes work is a basic aspect of a fulfilling life, especially for those coping with chronic conditions. She envisions a future where work-oriented care is seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system for working individuals battling chronic illnesses. Quote “Labor is a great thing for every person. It makes a meaningful contribution to life.That is why a personS role in society should be taken into account in the entire treatment process from the diagnosis. As a goal and as a medicine. “
Dona’s passion is evident in her collaborative workshops with Ragna van Hummel, director of Reintegration agency re-Turn. They co-presented at the Ipos psycho-oncological congress, funded by Abbvie and Pfizer, focusing on the intersection of cancer and work. “We look at the same theme from a different perspective,” explains van hummel. “Desiree looks at people in relation to their condition and disability and what that means. We help people to put advice from, for example, the company doctor.”
This synergy highlights the critical need to address work-related concerns throughout a patient’s journey. The event showcased practical tools like the overview card work and cancer (co-developed by Dona and van Hummel with Abbvie’s support) and the Conversation aid cancer and work (created by van Hummel with Pfizer’s backing). Both resources provide valuable guidance for healthcare professionals and loved ones navigating the complexities of work and illness.
Dona emphasizes the urgency of this issue, highlighting the disparity in access to company health care.”We think that we have a good system for company health care in the Netherlands. But for about 50 percent of workers, access to this care is not possible or this care is not sufficient. ” This inequality,exacerbated by the growing number of temporary employees,self-employed individuals,and seasonal workers,creates significant challenges for those seeking to balance work and well-being.
Despite these hurdles, Dona underscores the undeniable link between work and health. She believes, with conviction, that work can be a vital source of strength and stability, notably during challenging times. “It is suggested that illness and work exclude each other. That is not the case.A patient can work well – with or without adjustments – if he thinks it is possible,” she asserts.
to reinforce this message,the Federation of Medical Specialists has developed a “Labor participation module” for medical-specialist guidelines. This module aims to empower healthcare professionals to integrate work-related considerations into their practices, recognizing work as an essential component of a holistic approach to patient care.
The Importance of Work in Patient Care
Medical specialists emphasize the significance of a patient’s ability to participate in society as a key indicator of their well-being. “If my patient can participate in society well, he is doing better,” states a medical specialist. This holistic view extends beyond physical health and encompasses the patient’s psychosocial well-being, including their work situation.
Nursing specialists also play a crucial role in this understanding. Ragna van Hummel, a nursing expert, highlights the importance of their extended engagement with patients. ”As they frequently enough follow patients for a longer period of time and actively ask about well-being,” she explains.
Addressing the work-Health Connection
Healthcare professionals must recognize that a patient’s experience encompasses more than just their physical condition. Just as physical health and psychosocial impact are routinely assessed, a patient’s work situation should also be considered. Desiree Dona, a healthcare advocate, believes hospital administrators bear the responsibility of addressing this issue. “They should inquire about their institution how that is arranged,” she urges.”And thereby ignoring the thought that this is not a concern and that they don’t have to do anything with it.” Patients frequently ask healthcare workers about the implications of their illness or treatment on their work, leaving healthcare providers often unprepared to provide adequate answers.
Leveraging Existing Resources
Fortunately, solutions already exist to support patients navigating the complexities of work and illness. Ragna van Hummel emphasizes, “As a hospital, you can use work-related interventions early in the process to support the maintenance of work. For that, you have attentive nursing specialists and retrain on existing solutions.”
One valuable resource is an overview map specifically designed for work and cancer. This practical tool connects various disease phases with relevant questions and support options, both within and outside the hospital setting. Van Hummel encourages healthcare leaders to embrace these existing solutions. ”So I would say: dear director or healthcare manager, print the overview map and hang it in the boardroom.Becuase paying attention to labor participation in cancer starts in the hospital—and belongs there too!”
Medical specialists emphasize the importance of a patient’s ability to participate in society as a key indicator of their well-being. “If my patient can participate in society well, he is doing better,” states a medical specialist. This holistic view extends beyond physical health and encompasses the patient’s psychosocial well-being, including their work situation. Nursing specialists also play a crucial role in this understanding. Ragna van Hummel, a nursingexpert, highlights the importance of their extended engagement with patients. “As they frequently enough follow patients for a longer period of time and actively ask about well-being,” she explains. healthcare professionals must recognize that a patient’s experience encompasses more than just their physical condition. Just as physical health and psychosocial impact are routinely assessed, a patient’s work situation should also be considered. Desiree Dona, a healthcare advocate, believes hospital administrators bear the duty of addressing this issue. “They should inquire about their institution how that is arranged,” she urges. “And thereby ignoring the thought that this is not a concern and that they don’t have to do anything with it.” Patients frequently ask healthcare workers about the implications of their illness or treatment on their work, leaving healthcare providers often unprepared to provide adequate answers.The Importance of Work in Patient Care
Addressing the Work-Health Connection
Leveraging Existing Resources
Fortunately, solutions already exist to support patients navigating the complexities of work and illness. ragna van Hummel emphasizes, “As a hospital, you can use work-related interventions early in the process to support the maintenance of work. For that, you have attentive nursing specialists and retrain on existing solutions.”
One valuable resource is an overview map specifically designed for work and cancer. This practical tool connects various disease phases with relevant questions and support options,both within and outside the hospital setting.Van Hummel encourages healthcare leaders to embrace these existing solutions. “So I would say: dear director or healthcare manager, print the overview map and hang it in the boardroom. Because paying attention to labor participation in cancer starts in the hospital—and belongs there too!”