Working with Your Health Care Team
As with any type of health care you receive, you are a consumer of services, and you should not be afraid to ask questions about what services you are getting and who is providing them. It is very important to remember that you are the most important person on your healthcare team.
When you are going to meet with a healthcare provide (a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional), bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions beforehand to make sure you do not forget to discuss anything.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. Being well-informed is your most important task as a member of the healthcare team.
In addition to physicians, possible members of a healthcare team include social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and clergy.
Social workers are professionally trained in counseling and practical assistance. They provide the broadest range of help to people with cancer, and are a good place to start if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and unsure of what to do next.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing psychotherapy, or general psychological help. A psychiatrist specializes in helping people who are depressed, anxious, or otherwise unable to cope psychologically.
Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants or medication to help you sleep.
A psychologist is also someone who can assist you if you are feeling depressed, anxious, or sad. While not medical doctors, psychologists have obtained a doctoral degree in psychology and counseling; many specialize in marital counseling or chronic illness.
Nurses are an extremely important part of your healthcare team. Nurses have a wide range of skills, and are usually in charge of actually implementing the plan of care your doctor has set up for you.
Nurses are trained to administer medication and monitor side effects. Whether you are staying in the hospital for care or receive it on an outpatient basis (which means you go home after each treatment), you will benefit from seeking assistance, asking questions, or getting tips and advice from your nurse or nurse practitioner.
Nurses are often aware of support services in your community and can usually provide you with educational materials and pamphlets.
Another form of home care is from a home health aide. Home health aides assist people who are ill and need help moving around, bathing, cooking, or doing household chores.
Some state Medicaid programs will pay for home health aide care, provided they are supervised by a nurse. However, private insurance or managed care plans rarely pay for a home health aide unless there is also a need for skilled nursing care.
Rehabilitation services help people recover from physical changes caused by cancer or cancer treatment. It includes the services of physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, speech therapists, and other professionals who help you physically recover from cancer.
Dietary or nutritional counseling or services are commonly prescribed for people with cancer. A dietitian can suggest ways to get enough calories, vitamins, and protein to help you feel better and control your weight, and can give you tips about increasing your appetite if you experience nausea, heartburn, or fatigue from your illness or treatment.
Prayer and spiritual counseling can be very important in coping with a serious illness such as cancer. Many people find it useful to get help from clergy or other spiritual leaders, and there is no question that a strong sense of spirituality can help people face difficult challenges with courage and a sense of hope.
A diagnosis of cancer or other serious medical problem may be the most difficult challenge you or your loved ones will ever face. That is why it is important to find help and try to maintain your sense of hope no matter what your situation. Your team of health care professionals is knowledgeable about the many different aspects of a medical condition: medical, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.
Always consult your physician for more information.