Editing Patient Pathways: Myeloma (section)

== Supportive care provided by associations ==

'''Supportive care for physical challenges'''

'''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. Organizing counseling centers where patients can get advice from medical professionals and psychologists. Including 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 for personalizing the patient’s dietary plan and collaborating with fitness and nutrition experts for personalized recommendations for moderate exercise. Organizing practical workshops for proper nutrition, creating educational materials.

'''Supportive care for psychological challenges'''

Offering 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 between associations and them. Organizing support groups for talking and sharing experiences. Organizing workshops and therapy groups that focus on body positivity and accepting change. Providing free meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques courses. 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 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 care for financial and professional challenges'''

Advice on employment 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 about financial support, organizing fundraising campaigns, and helping to apply for financial assistance. Connecting patients with social workers and providing free financial counseling.

'''Supportive care for providing reliable and understandable information needed 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 about the disease and treatment.

'''Supportive care for patient rights'''

Provides information on 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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