Patient Education Has Become Indispensable to Quality Cancer Treatment

The growing population living after cancer treatment, transformation of previously untreatable cancers into chronic conditions requiring long follow-up and treatment, and increasing treatment diversity make more information during the cancer journey essential.

One noteworthy topic at this year’s ASCO 2018 Congresswas education of cancer patients and relatives . Providing necessary information expresses respect and helps patients and families identify questions and problems and make appropriate decisions.

What is the purpose of healthcare teams telling patients “educate yourself", "do not lose hope or courage", "get support”? Information and education help patients and families prepare for difficult times and participate more knowingly in treatment choices. Patient education helps people feel active in their own care.

Good communication has become a quality standard, but what about patient education?

Research shows good communication leads to better outcomes and supports coping. Cancer centers have generally made progress in patient-professional communication but know little about the value and role of education. Both measure quality care and can be evaluated as tools for measurable outcomes.

According to the American Clinical Oncology Consensus Guideline, one aim of clear communication is conveying sufficient information . The guideline particularly emphasizes respecting patients and calls this the right to know . It means not only knowing one’s diagnosis but making informed treatment decisions. Information should help patients and families prepare for challenges and needs during treatment.

- Related topic: How should patients, relatives and physicians communicate?

Operating since 2012, our website aims to provide reliable online resources on all cancer-related matters for patients and relatives. We later expanded content to prevent conditions with causes similar to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and dementia , through healthy living articles . Online education is one way to describe these efforts, which we see contributing to health literacyin our country.

Research shows disorganized, inefficient clinics make trusting doctors difficult. Conveying important information expresses respect, helps patients and families identify questions and concerns, and supports important decisions.

An informed treatment and post-treatment process improves adherence by patients, relatives and healthcare workers.

Patients recognize the valuable, limited time available at appointments. With basic knowledge of concepts doctors explain, they communicate more accurately and dialogue is more productive for both sides. Well-informed patients create greater satisfaction and productive partnerships for patients and physicians alike.

Practical suggestions to improve patient education

Doctors communicate and relate better with informed patients.

Doctors and institutions may consider these tips:

• Explain necessary important information (chemotherapy regimens, side effects, drug-drug and drug-food interactions) to patients.
• Help explain medical terms routinely used at visits.
• Encourage note-taking to help patients and oncology teams track concerns and symptoms.
• Ensure family members, not just patients, are informed. Scientific literacy can vary greatly within a family.
• Provide written data when reviewing treatment options.
• Provide trusted sources where patients can find answers about lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise and quality of life and other important questions.
• Appoint a team member interested in education to create a resource file doctors can easily give during visits or send electronically.

Almost all these education services can be delivered through or supported by online modules.

In conclusion, educating patients and relatives, now an essential part of cancer care, very positively affects both the process and life afterward.

Related Topic:

- Do not forget cancer caregivers – 4 ways to support companions