Editing Patient Pathways: Endometrial Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients with endometrial, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer =

A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to providing 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 one of these cancers, helping them to more easily cope with the problems that the disease and treatment brings.

Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer advocacy organizations, can play a key role in informing patients about such support activities. Also, associations can organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients themselves with the help of experts in order to reducing physical, psychological, financial and professional difficulties, lack of verified and understandable information and strengthening the coordination of health care not only within the health system but also through activities aimed at actively involving patients in the development of better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Support activities provided by institutions health care ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

Supportive activities for patients with vaginal, vulvar, endometrial or cervical cancer within the health system encompass a wide range of services aimed at improving the overall quality of life of patients. Along with health care that includes regular monitoring through blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, and follow-up with specialist doctors, for optimal management of physical difficulties, patients should have access to a multidisciplinary team of experts.

'''Family medicine doctor:''' takes care of everyday health needs during and after treatment

'''Oncologist:''' overall treatment management

'''Nutritionist:''' counseling on diet and weight management.

'''Physiotherapist:''' pain management and improved mobility.

'''Psychologist:''' helps with emotional issues.

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

'''Supportive activities for psychological difficulties'''

Patients with cancer and their families almost invariably face numerous challenges psychological difficulties throughout the entire therapeutic journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapy work, 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 the conversation in which the doctor provides information to the patient about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, risks, complications and alternative treatment led to mutual understanding. Detailed but easy-to-understand educational content for patients is essential in that process, but they are often not available.

The right to a second medical opinion: guaranteed by the Patient Rights Act. The patient has always entitled to seek a second medical opinion on their health. Every healthcare professional must provide a second medical opinion to the patient upon an oral or written request high professional qualifications and appropriate specialization, who did not participate in the direct provision of a certain type of health service to the patient. In addition to the patient, the doctor is the one who can initiate the process of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosis of a rare disease, the inability to find (adequate) therapy, inadequate technological equipment health care institution that prevents or makes it difficult to establish a diagnosis or course of therapy, doctors often seek help and confirmation from their colleagues from other institutions in order to provide the best quality 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 informational activities that educate patients on ways to manage side effects. Providing brochures and online resources with practical advice.

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

'''Support activities for psychological challenges'''

Providing free or subsidized psychological counseling, organizing support groups and telephone lines for psychological support.

For depressive disorders, support in finding a psychiatrist and therapist, and cooperation of associations with them. Organization of support groups for conversation and exchange of experiences.

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

Providing free courses in meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques. Creating online resources and applications to support stress management.

Associations can organize workshops for couples, including counseling with experts in 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.

'''Support activities for financial and professional challenges'''

Advice on labor rights and job adaptation. Providing legal advice and support for talking to employers about adapting the workplace.

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 assistance in applying for financial assistance.

Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial counseling.

'''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. Organizing educational seminars and workshops with medical professionals. Distribution of brochures and online resources on the disease and treatment.

'''Supportive activities on patient rights'''

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

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