Editing Patient Pathways: Colon Cancer (section)

== Supportive activities provided by healthcare institutions ==

'''Supportive activities for physical challenges'''

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

'''Family Medicine Physician:''' Takes care of everyday health needs during and after treatment.

'''Oncologist:''' overall treatment management.

'''Dietitian:''' counseling on nutrition and weight management.

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

'''Psychologist:''' Helps 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'''

Patients with cancer and their families almost inevitably face numerous psychological difficulties throughout the entire therapeutic journey. Professional psychological help in the form of individual counseling, group therapeutic work, counseling with a partner and family counseling is a key part of support for cancer patients. Also, a psychiatrist may recommend psychopharmacotherapy as 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 and easily understandable educational content for patients are necessary in this process, but are often not available.

'''Right to a second medical opinion:''' guaranteed by the Patient Rights Act. The patient always has the right to seek a second medical opinion on their health condition. Every healthcare professional with a high professional qualification 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 medical opinion to the patient at the patient’s verbal or written request. In addition to the patient, the doctor is also the one who can initiate the procedure of seeking a second opinion. In the case of diagnosing a rare disease, the impossibility of finding (adequate) therapy, and the 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 the help and confirmation of their colleagues from other institutions for the purpose of highest quality approach to each patient.

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