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Patient & Family Support Services: The Science of Caring |
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Despite dramatic advances in care, cancer can create turmoil and crises in the lives of patients. Along with managing symptoms and treatment, many psychological and social problems can arise -- ranging from concerns about appearance and employment, to talking with a spouse or family member. Patients are often reluctant to talk about these significant problems with their physicians, not wanting to distract from the primary focus of cancer treatment. But research shows that hidden anxiety and other psychosocial problems can be barriers to effective care.
Touch Screen Biopsychosocial Screening
That's why the Cancer Center's new touch screen biopsychosocial process --“How Can We Help You and Your Family?” -- is so important. The first and only of its kind in the U.S. – providing a systematic approach to health care in real time -- the program debuted in the multi-specialty clinic in early 2007. Using a laptop, touch screen, and stylus, patients rate a series of problems such as transportation, pain, understanding their treatment options, or talking with a spouse or family member. The information, which is encrypted for privacy, is then quickly disseminated by e-mail to the patient's health care team, including physicians, nurses and social workers. Some concerns, such as problems with transportation, generate a printout of resources that can be handed to the patient before their appointment.
This biopsychosocial screening is for all new patients, and constitutes only the first phase. The second phase of implementation will be in the Radiation Oncology clinic. A 2-month follow-up survey is also planned to track progress about previous concerns, to learn about new ones, and to implement an audit process to ensure that all patient problems are addressed.
Look for the touchscreen questionnaire early on in your treatment.
How Can We Help You?
Patient and Family Support Services: The Science of Caring assists patients and their families in facing the challenges of cancer. We ensure that, from your very first visit to the Cancer Center, you will never feel alone.
This uniquely integrated team of cancer experts includes social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, palliative care specialists, and volunteers. All programs and services are tailored to the needs of our patients, their families, and the community and are scientifically evaluated to ensure that they enhance medical treatment, maximize coping, and improve quality of life.
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Each healthcare team includes a social worker who will remain a key part of your healthcare team from diagnosis through treatment. -
Early on in your treatment, you will complete the How Can We Help You and Your Family? questionnaire that quickly communicates concerns and problems to your healthcare team, allowing us to respond quickly to your needs.
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We offer supportive and therapeutic groups for patients and their families, such as general groups, groups by cancer type, stress-management groups (including yoga and meditation), creativity groups, and educational workshops. Most of these programs are at no cost to you. Look for our monthly Calendar of Activities in the Cancer Center lobby or online. -
Individual, couples, and family counseling, as well as medication evaluation and management, are readily available to help you cope with the psychological challenges of cancer.
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Contact Us
Patient & Family Services: (858) 822-3141.
Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |