Colorectal Cancer Care Coordination

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discharge Planning
Collaborative Approaches to Education and Planning for Self-Management
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Cancer care coordination is an important element of healthcare services provided to cancer patients and survivors. Cancer care coordinators are involved in the development of treatment plans and ensure that they are properly followed. The treatment plan is a comprehensive outline of the health status of the patient and the strategies to undertake to improve their health status. This paper includes a brief description of the health condition of John, who is a cancer survivor. The paper also provides an analysis of the major areas to focus on in the treatment plan.

Discharge Planning

John was 65 and had quite a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and rather a healthy diet when he learned about his cancer status during a regular check-up. The patient did not have any considerable or unusual pain. However, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and had to undergo the corresponding surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. John is recommended a standard follow-up regimen after curative treatment for colorectal cancer. One of the primary objectives is to improve the patient’s proper health status and prevent cancer recurrence (Steele et al., 2015). Such factors as gender, age, and family history are defining when it comes to recurrence (Yamano et al., 2018). John is at a high risk as he is male and over 65. Although he does not have relatives diagnosed with cancer, the patient will have regular physical examinations as well as additional tests to control the recurrence of the disease.

One of these tests is CEA that will show whether cancer has spread to other organs and systems. This type of surveillance measure is performed every three months for five years after the surgery. A computed tomography scan is another procedure John has to undertake every year during the same period. The patient will have a colonoscopy a year after the surgery, depending on the results of the examination, a further schedule will be developed. If no polyps are found, the procedure will be held every five years. Rectosigmoidoscopy is recommended to control the potential development of polyps or other abnormalities, including cancer. John should undergo this procedure every six months for five years after the surgery.

As far as cancer recurrence is concerned, it is essential to make sure that the patient has the necessary data regarding the most common symptoms and signs. As mentioned above, surveillance is the primary instrument for ensuring the early detection of recurrence (Young et al., 2014). This is especially relevant when no symptoms occur, which is rather common when cancer affects the same area (Duineveld et al., 2016a). Some of the typical symptoms of cancer recurrence include weight loss, belly pain, diarrhea or constipation, as well as trouble breathing, back pain, and fatigue. The signs and symptoms depend on the area where cancer develops as it can occur in any organ or system.

Collaborative Approaches to Education and Planning for Self-Management

Possible Survivor Issues

Colorectal cancer survivors have to face various issues related to physical, social, emotional, and spiritual domains. Physical challenges such patients may encounter include sexual dysfunction, weight loss or gain, body image concerns, as well as bowel and urinary dysfunction (D’Souza, Daudt, & Kazanjian, 2016). In order to address these problems, the healthcare team should come up with the corresponding treatment to ensure the patient’s positive health outcomes. John seems to adhere to the prescribed regimen and has a healthy diet and lifestyle, but he reports about his dietary inclinations that are not completely healthy. Physical activity is one of the central prerequisites of health and the reduction of recurrence rate (Lynch, van Roekel, & Vallance, 2016). Therefore, the patient may need additional information related to factors reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and ways to maintain healthy habits as well as available resources.

Apart from the information regarding their health and treatment, many patients want to know more about legal, financial, and social aspects linked to their health status (Salz et al., 2014). Healthcare professionals and counselors should provide the patient with detailed information concerning such topics as healthcare insurance and available resources. Although it is not apparent, John and his family may experience some financial or legal issues, so healthcare professionals should regularly provide the corresponding data. John claims he still wants to have a job (he is retired). Hence, he will need some information about community-based opportunities. He may be encouraged to be involved in social work and volunteering, or a variety of projects related to environmental or social issues. Participation in socially significant events will help John improve his psychological well-being.

Psychological and emotional challenges are often the most influential and can cause considerable distress to patients. Averyt and Nishimoto (2014) note that cancer survivors tend to have concerns related to cancer recurrence, sleep patterns, and pain management. These people are also prone to the development of depression and anxiety. Psychological support can be provided through psychotherapeutic or support groups. The role family plays in helping cancer survivors to cope with their emotional and psychological problems is hard to overestimate (Mosher, Winger, Given, Helft, & O’Neil, 2015). John has a loving wife, and they seem to be very close. This kind of relationship can be instrumental in ensuring John’s psychological comfort. Spirituality is another domain to pay attention to, so healthcare professionals should identify strategies the patient uses to improve his spiritual well-being (Rohde, Kersten, Vistad, & Mesel, 2017). Based on this information, it is necessary to come up with possible resources that can be beneficial for John and his family. The patient may also find it fruitful to discuss some aspects related to faith and religion.

Collaboration and Communication

When developing a treatment plan for a cancer survivor, it is necessary to identify the framework used to shape the patient’s behavior. Cognitive behavior theory can become the most appropriate paradigm in this case as the person has to address such challenges as pain, physical discomfort changed routines, and a wide range of psychological issues (Syrjala et al., 2014). It is essential to help survivors to accept their new health state and adjust to it effectively. They should understand the possible consequences of their treatment and may need to be trained to act under the changed circumstances. Psychotherapy and such physical activity as yoga or dancing can be employed to assist John to cope with challenges that may arise. Support groups can be recommended as an important strategy to develop new behavioral patterns and accept reality.

As far as communication is concerned, it is the key element of treatment. First, it is important to make sure that the communication platforms utilized are efficient and involve all stakeholders including cancer care coordinators, physicians, surgeons, nursing staff, and other professionals (El-Shami et al., 2015). Clearly, face-to-face communication is essential as cancer survivors need to feel people’s support during meetings. However, recent technological advances offer a significant number of communication channels that can enhance the collaboration of the health team and the patient (Abramson, Keefe, & Chou, 2014). Various types of computer- and mobile-based software help patients to follow their care plans and co-create healthcare services they receive (Duineveld et al., 2016b). Social networks can be utilized to develop an effective communication platform that will ensure instant access to information and almost 24/7 collaboration.

Education

These communication channels will be instrumental in providing educational services to John and his family. Discussions, workshops, groups, and community-based activities will be educational platforms. One of the primary aspects to address in terms of educational effort is pain management (Syrjala et al., 2014). John is likely to endure considerable pain associated with treatment, and he should be trained to cope with this challenge. Self-management is another pivotal domain to focus on when educating the patient (Howell, Harth, Brown, Bennett, & Boyko, 2017). As mentioned above, the patient should be able to identify the occurrence of some symptoms and signs of cancer recurrence. John has to be able to report any changes in his state as well. Clearly, he should be trained to follow the regimen and keep to a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to include the psychological aspect of this patient education. John should be aware of the most effective strategies to maintain his psychological well-being. Reflection, family support, yoga, or similar practices should become a part of his routine.

Conclusion

On balance, it is necessary to note that John has good chances of overcoming the disease and avoiding cancer recurrence. However, he still needs the support of a cancer care coordinator who will assist him in adhering to the developed treatment plan. After the treatment John underwent, he will need to undertake some measures aimed at controlling any changes that may occur. The patient will have regular tests and examinations, and he will have to change his lifestyle to a certain extent. However, healthcare professionals will help John to go through a difficult period in his life and improve his physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

References

Abramson, K., Keefe, B., & Chou, W. Y. S. (2014). Communicating about cancer through Facebook: A qualitative analysis of a breast cancer awareness page. Journal of Health Communication, 20(2), 237-243. Web.

Averyt, J. C., & Nishimoto, P. W. (2014). Psychosocial issues in colorectal cancer survivorship: The top ten questions patients may not be asking. Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, 5(5), 395-400. Web.

D’Souza, V., Daudt, H., & Kazanjian, A. (2016). Survivorship care plans for people with colorectal cancer: Do they reflect the research evidence? Current Oncology, 23(5), 488-498. Web.

Duineveld, L. A. M., van Asselt, K. M., Bemelman, W. A., Smits, A. B., Tanis, P. J., van Weert, H. C. P. M., & Wind, J. (2016a). Symptomatic and asymptomatic colon cancer recurrence: A multicenter cohort study. The Annals of Family Medicine, 14(3), 215-220. Web.

Duineveld, L. A. M., Wieldraaijer, T., Wind, J., Verdonck-de Leeuw, I. M., van Weert, H. C. P. M., & van Uden-Kraan, C. F. (2016b). Primary care-led survivorship care for patients with colon cancer and the use of eHealth: A qualitative study on perspectives of general practitioners. BMJ Open, 6(4). Web.

El-Shami, K., Oeffinger, K. C., Erb, N. L., Willis, A., Bretsch, J., & Pratt-Chapman, M. L., … Cowens-Alvarado, R. L. (2015). American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Care guidelines. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 65(6), 427-455. Web.

Howell, D., Harth, T., Brown, J., Bennett, C., & Boyko, S. (2017). Self-management education interventions for patients with cancer: A systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25(4), 1323-1355. Web.

Lynch, B. M., van Roekel, E. H., & Vallance, J. K. (2016). Physical activity and quality of life after colorectal cancer: Overview of evidence and future directions. Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care, 1(1), 9-23. Web.

Mosher, C. E., Winger, J. G., Given, B. A., Helft, P. R., & O’Neil, B. H. (2015). Mental health outcomes during colorectal cancer survivorship: A review of the literature. Psycho-Oncology, 25(11), 1261-1270. Web.

Rohde, G., Kersten, C., Vistad, I., & Mesel, T. (2017). Spiritual well-being in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving noncurative chemotherapy. Cancer Nursing, 40(3), 209-216. Web.

Salz, T., Baxi, S. S., Blinder, V. S., Elkin, E. B., Kemeny, M. M., McCabe, M. S., … Oeffinger, K. C. (2014). Colorectal cancer survivors’ needs and preferences for survivorship information. Journal of Oncology Practice, 10(4), e277-e282. Web.

Steele, S. R., Chang, G. J., Hendren, S., Weiser, M., Irani, J., Buie, W. D., & Rafferty, J. F. (2015). Practice guideline for the surveillance of patients after curative treatment of colon and rectal cancer. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 58(8), 713-725. Web.

Syrjala, K. L., Jensen, M. P., Mendoza, M. E., Yi, J. C., Fisher, H. M., & Keefe, F. J. (2014). Psychological and behavioral approaches to cancer pain management. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(16), 1703-1711. Web.

Yamano, T., Yamauchi, S., Tsukamoto, K., Noda, M., Kobayashi, M., Hamanaka, M., … Sugihara, K. (2018). Evaluation of appropriate follow-up after curative surgery for patients with colorectal cancer using time to recurrence and survival after recurrence: A retrospective multicenter study. Oncotarget, 9(39). Web.

Young, P. E., Womeldorph, C. M., Johnson, E. K., Maykel, J. A., Brucher, B., Stojadinovic, A., … Steele, S. R. (2014). Early detection of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients undergoing surgery with curative intent: Current status and challenges. Journal of Cancer, 5(4), 262-271. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!