I believe that every individual that receives a “treatment plan” for cancer should also have a “supportive care plan.”
I believe that the best person to provide a supportive care plan is a provider (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) who is trained in comprehensive supportive care for cancer patients. This provider needs to have education in cancer dx and treatment, genetic considerations, psychosocial needs, SDOH, functional assessment, short and long term effects of cancer treatment, lifestyle interventions, promoting self management, dealing with special population needs (pediatric, AYA, geriatric, LGBTQ+, minority groups) and navigation to resources.
I believe that survivorship needs to be redefined from post treatment to comprehensive supportive care starting at time of diagnosis. Survivorship and palliative care could benefit from working together.
I believe that appropriate survivorship and supportive care needs be done during a different session than active treatment with enough time allotted for in-depth conversation and shared decision -making.
I believe that this care will impact outcomes including survivor’s quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Distress and stress related to cancer have real consequences. Now research is beginning to reveal why this is happening.
I believe that every professional who cares for cancer patients has the responsibility to advocate for coordinated and high quality care. If you are not sure of what this means or how to do it, there are those of us who are available to share our knowledge.
Michelle Kirschner
[email protected]
Cincinnati, Ohio
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