Description:
Cancer
patients have numerous symptoms, both from the cancer itself and from the side
effects of its treatments. Since many cancer treatments are delivered as
outpatient procedures or via oral medicines, cancer patients often are dealing
with symptoms from treatment and/or disease progression at home. They have
significant needs for information regarding diagnosis and treatment, help with
symptom management, assistance with communication and coordination of care, and
support for surveillance and prevention of further problems.
Uncontrolled symptoms can delay cancer treatment, result in
additional doctor or ER visits, and contribute to days lost from work. Active
monitoring can allow patients to identify and address symptoms earlier and at a
time when intervention can resolve or control symptoms, thereby avoiding
treatment delays.
Description
Michigan
State University’s Symptom Management Toolkit for Cancer Patients is a
comprehensive, 133-page book that provides cancer patients with evidence-based
management skills along with coping strategies for 25 common symptoms. It places
practical symptom management initiatives under one cover and provides expert
references for more information. Written in an FAQ format, the book is intended
primarily for cancer patients; however, it is also valuable for oncology and
phone triage nurses.
Benefits
·
Improved patient outcomes:
Clinical trials have shown positive results in terms of the overall well being
of cancer patients. Patients in the studies reported statistically significant
improvement in symptom severity and number of overall
symptoms.
·
Reduces health system costs: The
book provides education for patients, which helps reduce doctor and ER
visits.
·
Evidence-based: Information is
practical, yet based on proven data.
·
Companion products: In addition
to a book for patients, a book for caregivers has been developed as well as an
automated voice response system (AVR).
Applications
Books
like the Symptom Management Toolkit are commonly provided by oncology
practices, and a nurse typically will review the materials with the patient at
the doctor’s office. Potential markets for the book include:
·
Medical oncology offices
·
Clinical trial companies
·
Pharmaceutical companies
·
Insurance companies and HMOs
·
Publishing companies: options for e-book, PDF, or print on
demand
