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 and their
caregivers 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 and their caregivers 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 Caregivers of Cancer Patients provides comprehensive information
about common symptoms experienced during cancer treatment to help the caregiver
better assist and care for the person battling cancer. Written at an eight-grade
reading level, the toolkit also contains helpful information related to
difficulties caregivers often incur, such as role strain, asking for help,
anger, anxiety, time management, nutrition, and disturbed sleep. The book
provides evidence-based information to help caregivers assist the cancer patient
(even those who live at a distance), communicate with the patient, serve as a
reference for other family members and healthcare providers, and help patients
care for themselves during this stressful period.
Benefits
·
Patient satisfaction: Surveys have shown an overwhelmingly
positive response to the Symptom Management Toolkit.
·
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 and caregivers, 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 caregivers, a
book for cancer patients has been developed as well as an automated voice
response system (AVR).
·
Multiple delivery methods: The toolkit could be delivered
as a bound book, e-book, and/or website.
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
