Editing Patient Pathways: Rectal Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients with rectal cancer =

A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to providing supportive care in healthcare settings is essential to helping patients throughout their treatment journey. Such an approach significantly improves the quality of life for patients with rectal cancer by helping them cope with the challenges that the disease and treatment bring.

Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer support organizations, can play a key role in informing patients about such support activities. They can also organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients to reduce physical, psychological, financial, and professional difficulties, address the lack of reliable and understandable information, and strengthen the coordination of healthcare not only within the healthcare system but also through activities aimed at actively involving patients in developing better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Supportive activities provided by healthcare institutions ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

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

'''General practitioner:''' Provides ongoing healthcare needs during and after treatment.

'''Oncologist:''' Manages overall treatment.

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

'''Physiotherapist:''' Manages pain and improves mobility.

'''Psychologist:''' Assists with emotional issues.

'''Oncology nurses:''' Take care of you before, during, and after treatment, provide information about the daily treatment plan, and teach you how to use aids.

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

Cancer patients and their families almost invariably face numerous psychological challenges throughout the entire treatment journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapy, couples counseling, and family counseling is a crucial part of supporting cancer patients. Additionally, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy to support patients.

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

'''Informed Consent:''' A 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 yet 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. Patients always have the right to seek a second opinion on their health status. A second opinion is required to be given to the patient, upon oral or written request, by every healthcare professional with a high professional qualification and appropriate specialization who has not been directly involved in providing a specific form of healthcare service to the patient. In addition to the patient, the physician may also initiate the process of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosing a rare disease, the inability to find (adequate) therapy, or the lack of appropriate technological equipment in a healthcare institution that prevents or hinders the diagnosis or course of therapy, physicians often seek help and confirmation from their colleagues from other institutions to ensure the best possible approach for 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 informational activities that educate patients on ways to manage side effects. Providing brochures and online resources with practical tips.

'''Support related to symptoms of the disease:''' access to medical professionals for early intervention and symptom management. Organizing counseling centers where patients can receive advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Including 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 nutrition plan, and collaborating with fitness and nutrition experts 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.

For depressive disorders, assisting with finding a psychiatrist and therapist, and collaborating with them.

Organizing support groups for conversation and sharing experiences.

Organizing workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and embracing change.

Providing free courses on meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques.

Creating online resources and apps to support stress management.

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

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

Connecting with peer support 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 employment rights and workplace adjustments. Providing legal advice and support to discuss workplace adjustments with employers. Organizing workshops on workers’ rights.

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

Providing information on financial support, organizing fundraising campaigns, and assisting in applying for financial assistance. Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial advice.

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

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

'''Supportive activities regarding patient rights'''

They provide information 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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