In general, cancer patient care

Statistics speak for themselves: more than 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lives. Fortunately, advances in medical technology and understanding, we often can be an effective treatment for cancer. Nevertheless, in general, less successful in the care of mental and social needs of cancer patients. Cancer patients often need assistance in learning skills and knowledge to manage their disease. They and their loved ones, also need assistance to deal with emotional problems, find transportation and other resources and the fight against interruptions in the work, school and family life.


These unmet needs, could cause more suffering and the patient may prevent full payment of debt. In treating illness rather than the entire people, our health care system to ensure efficient and quality care.

The Institute of Medicine report, for the treatment of cancer patients of all: meeting mental health, [1] suggests the level of provision of psychosocial services at regular assistance biomédica.

This level of attention processes include:

• Identify psychosocial health needs;
• Connect patients and families to needed services;
• Support them in managing the illness;
• Coordinate the psychosocial and biomedical healthcare; and
• Follow-up on care delivery to evaluate the effectiveness of the services.

Successful implementation of this plan, all stakeholders in the process - from cancer specialists for health insurers - must act independently and collectively.

That vision attention not only for patients with cancer, but for all people with the disease. Redefine care for all patients, we can help ensure high-quality medical care.

That is my opinion. I am Dr. Harvey Fine Berg, president of the Institute of Medicine.

Source : http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/580158?src=rss