What are the most effective ways to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care?

1 Build trust and rapport

The first step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to establish a trusting and respectful relationship with them. Case managers should communicate clearly and empathetically, listen actively and attentively, and acknowledge and address any concerns or fears that the patients and their families may have. Case managers should also demonstrate competence and professionalism, and explain their role and responsibilities in the care team. By building trust and rapport, case managers can foster a collaborative and supportive partnership with cancer patients and their families.

2 Assess needs and preferences

The next step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to assess their individual needs and preferences. Case managers should conduct a comprehensive and holistic assessment that covers the physical, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, and cultural aspects of the patients' and their families' situations. Case managers should also elicit the patients' and their families' values, goals, expectations, and priorities for care, and explore any barriers or challenges that may affect their involvement. By assessing needs and preferences, case managers can tailor the care plan and interventions to the patients' and their families' unique circumstances and wishes.

3 Educate and empower

The third step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to educate and empower them with relevant and reliable information and resources. Case managers should provide education on the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, side effects, symptom management, self-care, and coping strategies for cancer patients and their families. Case managers should also empower them to make informed decisions, express their concerns and preferences, ask questions, seek help, and advocate for their rights and needs. By educating and empowering cancer patients and their families, case managers can enhance their knowledge, confidence, and autonomy in managing care.

4 Coordinate and communicate

The fourth step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to coordinate and communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary care team. Case managers should facilitate the integration and collaboration of various services, providers, and organizations involved in the care of cancer patients and their families. Case managers should also communicate regularly and consistently with the care team, the patients, and their families, and update them on any changes, progress, or issues that may arise. By coordinating and communicating effectively, case managers can ensure the continuity, quality, and safety of care for cancer patients and their families.

5 Support and advocate

The fifth step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to support and advocate for them throughout the care journey. Case managers should offer emotional, social, practical, and spiritual support to cancer patients and their families, and connect them with appropriate resources and referrals. Case managers should also advocate for the patients' and their families' best interests, rights, and needs, and help them navigate the complex and often overwhelming health care system. By supporting and advocating for cancer patients and their families, case managers can reduce their stress, burden, and isolation, and improve their satisfaction and outcomes.

6 Evaluate and adjust

The final step to involve cancer patients and their families in managing care is to evaluate and adjust the care plan and interventions as needed. Case managers should monitor and measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and appropriateness of the care provided, and solicit feedback from the patients, their families, and the care team. Case managers should also adjust the care plan and interventions according to the changing needs, preferences, and goals of the patients and their families, and address any gaps, issues, or concerns that may emerge. By evaluating and adjusting the care plan and interventions, case managers can ensure the relevance, responsiveness, and quality of care for cancer patients and their families.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?