ROBOS '25, The 7th Raab Outer Banks Oncology Symposium: Late Morning Sessions, July 12

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This list summarizes the patient perspective on cancer treatment, focusing on interactions with oncology doctors and nurses:

Patient Perspective on Cancer Treatment: Oncology Doctors and Nurses

• Communication is Key:
  • Clarity and Honesty: Patients value clear, honest, and easy-to-understand explanations of their diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and prognosis. Medical jargon should be avoided or thoroughly explained.
  • Active Listening: Feeling heard and understood by their medical team is crucial. Patients want their concerns, fears, and questions to be taken seriously and addressed empathetically.
  • Open Dialogue about Quality of Life: Discussions should include not just extending life, but also maintaining or improving quality of life during and after treatment.
  • Consistent Messaging: Patients appreciate when doctors and nurses provide consistent information, avoiding conflicting advice.
• Empathy and Compassion:
  • Humanity: Patients want to be treated as individuals, not just a diagnosis. A compassionate and understanding approach from both doctors and nurses can significantly reduce anxiety and stress.
  • Emotional Support: Recognizing and addressing the emotional toll of cancer is vital. This includes acknowledging fear, sadness, and anger, and offering resources for psychological support.
  • Sensitivity to Pain and Discomfort: Prompt and effective management of pain and other physical symptoms is highly valued.
• Trust and Confidence:
  • Competence and Expertise: Patients need to feel confident in their medical team's knowledge and skill.
  • Shared Decision-Making: Feeling involved in treatment decisions, with their preferences and values considered, builds trust and empowers patients.
  • Availability and Responsiveness: Knowing they can reach their medical team with urgent concerns and receive timely responses provides reassurance.
• Nurses' Critical Role:
  • Frontline Support: Nurses are often the primary point of contact for patients, providing day-to-day care, answering questions, and offering practical advice.
  • Education and Guidance: Patients rely on nurses for detailed instructions on medication administration, side effect management, and self-care.
  • Emotional and Practical Comfort: Nurses often provide significant emotional support and practical comfort, helping patients navigate the physical and emotional challenges of treatment.
  • Advocacy: Patients appreciate nurses who advocate on their behalf to doctors regarding their symptoms, concerns, or needs.
• Doctors' Specific Contributions:
  • Strategic Guidance: Doctors provide the overall treatment strategy, explaining the rationale behind choices and managing complex medical issues.
  • Hope and Realism: Balancing realistic expectations with appropriate levels of hope is a delicate but crucial role for oncologists.
  • Coordination of Care: Patients appreciate doctors who effectively coordinate care with other specialists and services.
• Challenges and Frustrations:
  • Feeling Rushed: Patients can feel dismissed if appointments are too short or if they feel their questions aren't fully answered.
  • Lack of Coordination: Poor communication between different members of the care team can lead to frustration and confusion.
  • Difficulty Accessing Information: Problems with accessing medical records, test results, or understanding billing can be a significant source of stress.
  • Perceived Lack of Empathy: When patients feel their emotional distress is not acknowledged or validated.

Source: Google Gemini