Editing Patient Pathways: Lung Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients with lung cancer =

A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to the provision of supportive care in healthcare settings is essential to help patients throughout their treatment journey. Such an approach significantly improves the quality of life of patients with lung cancer, helping them to cope more easily with the difficulties that the disease and treatment bring.

Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer societies, can play a key role in informing patients about such supportive activities. In addition, associations can also organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients in order to reduce physical, psychological, financial and professional difficulties, the lack of verified and understandable information and strengthen the coordination of health care, not only within the health system but also through activities aimed to actively involve patients in the development of better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Supportive activities provided by healthcare institutions ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

Supportive activities for lung cancer patients within the healthcare system encompass a wide range of services aimed at improving the overall quality of life of patients. In addition to medical care that includes regular monitoring through blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, and follow-up by specialist physicians, patients should have access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists for optimal management of physical difficulties.

'''Family physician:''' Provides ongoing health care during and after treatment.

'''Oncologist:''' Comprehensive treatment management.

'''Dietitian:''' Provides dietary advice and weight management.

'''Physiotherapist:''' Pain management and mobility improvement.

'''Psychologist:''' Helps with emotional issues.

'''Oncology nurses:''' They care for you before, during and after treatment, provide information about your daily treatment plan and teach you how to use aids.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Patients with cancer and their families almost inevitably face numerous psychological difficulties throughout the entire therapeutic journey. Expert psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapy, counseling with a partner and family counseling is a key part of support for cancer patients. Also, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy as a support for patients.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information'''

'''Informed Consent:''' The signed form is proof that a conversation in which the doctor provides information to the patient about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, risks, complications and alternative treatments has led to mutual understanding. Detailed but easy-to-understand educational content for patients is essential in this process, but often not available.

'''Right to a second opinion:''' guaranteed by the Patient Rights Act. The patient always has the right to seek a second opinion on their health status. At the verbal or written request of the patient, every healthcare professional with a high professional qualification and appropriate specialization who was not involved in the direct provision of a certain type of health service to the patient is obliged to give a second opinion. In addition to the patient, the doctor can also initiate the procedure of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosing a rare disease, the impossibility of finding (adequate) therapy, inadequate technological equipment of the health institution that prevents or makes it difficult to establish a diagnosis or the course of therapy, doctors often seek help and confirmation from their colleagues from other institutions in order to provide the best possible approach to each patient.

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== Supportive activities provided by associations ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

'''Support related to side effects of treatment:''' organizing workshops and information activities that educate patients on ways to manage side effects. Providing brochures and online resources with practical advice.

'''Support related to symptoms of the disease:''' access to medical professionals for early intervention and treatment of symptoms. Organization of counseling centers where patients can receive advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Inclusion of medical advisors in support programs.

'''Support related to metabolic disorders, nutritional problems and lack of energy:''' connecting patients with nutritionists and endocrinologists through organized events and online consultations to personalize the patient’s nutritional plan and collaboration of fitness and nutrition professionals for personalized recommendations for moderate exercise. Organizing practical workshops on proper nutrition, creating educational materials.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Providing free or subsidized psychological counseling, organizing support groups and telephone lines for psychological support. In the case of depressive disorders, support in finding a psychiatrist and therapist, and cooperation of associations with them. Organizing support groups for conversation and exchange of experiences.

Organizing workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and embracing change. Providing free courses in meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques. Creating online resources and applications to help manage stress.

Associations can organize workshops for couples, including counseling with experts on sexual health.

Organizing family therapy sessions and workshops that involve all family members in the support process.

Connecting with peer groups and social activities. Organizing social events, online forums and support groups where patients can connect and share their experiences.

'''Supportive activities for financial and professional challenges'''

Advice on labor rights and workplace adjustments. Providing legal advice and support for talking to employers about workplace adjustments. Organizing workshops on worker rights.

Connecting patients with financial advisors and organizing workshops on managing finances during treatment.

Providing information on financial assistance, organizing fundraising campaigns and assisting with financial assistance applications.

Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial advice.

'''Supportive activities for providing reliable and understandable information necessary for informed participation in the treatment process'''

'''Understanding the disease and treatment:''' education and information materials. Organization of educational seminars and workshops with medical professionals. Distribution of brochures and online resources about the disease and treatment.

'''Supportive activities regarding patient rights'''

Information is provided about rights and social assistance options. You can find everything about patient rights at this link of the IGET Association - Institute for Gastroenterological Tumors: https://iget.hr/prava-osoba-oboljelih-od-onkoloskih-bolesti/

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