Editing Patient Pathways: Ovarian Cancer (section)

= Supportive activities for patients with ovarian 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 ovarian cancer, helping them to more easily cope with the difficulties that the disease and treatment bring.

Civil society organizations, such as patient associations and cancer charities, can play a key role in informing patients about such supportive activities. Also, associations can organize and provide some of the necessary support to patients in order to reduce physical, psychological, financial and professional burdens, lack of verified and understandable information, and strengthen the coordination of healthcare not only within the health system but also through activities focused on active patient involvement in developing better national health guidelines and policies.

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== Supportive activities provided by healthcare institutions ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

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

'''General practitioner:''' takes care of daily health needs during and after treatment.

'''Oncologist:''' complete management of treatment.

'''Dietitian:''' advice on diet and weight management.

'''Physiotherapist:''' pain management and improvement of mobility.

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

'''Oncology nurses:''' care for 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 inevitably face numerous psychological difficulties throughout their treatment journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapy, counseling with a partner and family counseling is a key part of support for oncological patients. Also, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy as a support for patients.

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

'''Informed consent:''' a 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 treatments has led to mutual understanding. Detailed but easy-to-understand educational content for patients is essential in this process, but often unavailable.

'''Right to a second opinion:''' guaranteed by the Patient Rights Protection Act. The patient always has the right to seek a second opinion about his state of health. Every healthcare professional of higher professional qualifications and appropriate specialization who was not involved in the direct provision of a certain type of healthcare service to the patient is obliged to give a second opinion to the patient, upon an oral or written request. 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, inability to find (adequate) therapy, inadequate technological equipment of the healthcare 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 for the purpose of providing the highest quality of approach to each patient.

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== Supportive activities provided by associations ==

'''Supportive activities for physical difficulties'''

'''Support related to side effects of treatment:''' organizing workshops and informative 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 get advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Inclusion of medical advisors in support programs.

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

'''Supportive activities for psychological challenges'''

* Offer of free or subsidized psychological counseling, organization of 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. Organization of support groups for conversation and exchange of experiences.
* Organization of workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and acceptance of change.
* Providing free courses in meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques. Creating online resources and apps to help manage stress.
* Associations can organize workshops for couples, including counseling with sexual health professionals.
* Organization of family therapy sessions and workshops that include all family members in the support process. Connecting with peer groups and social activities. Organization of 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 adaptation. Providing legal advice and support for talking to employers about workplace adjustments. Organization of 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 helping to apply 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. 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 on rights and social assistance options is provided. 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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