KEY IDEA: Patients are people. Our healthcare system is not designed for people, it’s designed for conditions. We spend too much money on treatments that may prolong life a few weeks but at what about the quality of life and the patient’s voice?
Cancer patients
- The emotional challenges to the shock of a cancer diagnosis and fears about the future are often left untreated. More specific emotional concerns can range from apprehension about body image after treatment to periods of anxiety or depression, sadness, shock, horror, disbelief, frustration, distress, unhappiness, upset, worry, shame, fear.
- A survey by the Teenage Cancer Trust has revealed that eight out of 10 young people find the mental health impact of cancer as hard to deal with as the treatment itself.
- Patients who used information sources were more likely to have a higher locus of control over the course of their disease. These results show how important the doctor’s role is in the provision of emotional support.
KEY TAKEAWAY: For cancer patients’ quality of life is an important issue when deciding on treatment options, but older patients may be more likely to forgo treatment because they just are too tired to “fight the battle”.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Cancer patients, and caregivers, have specific needs when they turn to Dr Internet. They trust other patients and want insights that aren’t often provided at the point of care.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Cancer patients have unique needs when researching cancer treatments online. Their number one source of information is from other patients and their biggest need is help understanding their disease and treatment options.