If I never heard the word cancer again in my life I would really be a fortunate person. In reality the word cancer is part of our every day life. Cancer does not discriminate and for some it is a death sentence. I am always happy to hear the wonderful stories that resonate from people who have beat the odds and have spent many years in remission and have been declared cured. I am also dismayed by the stories that are heart breaking when all treatment fails, or it is too late for anything to be done. I am also upset to hear people say that a patient or a caregiver was the problem for bad care they received. I recently read that statement on social media from a patient that had exceptional care. I am very happy that they received the exceptional care and that they are living life to the fullest. However to blame a person or a family caregiver for bad health care is beyond thinkable.
We are responsible for how we react to the situations we are in, but not for the actions from the health care team. A patient may be in shock or angry which happens when their mortality is confronted. They may become vocal or withdrawn and depressed. They certainly don't want to also deal with someone telling them they are a problem because they are unable to cope. There are so many things that could be going on with a patient at the time of diagnosis. It takes a strong medical team to help patients. We should never turn a deaf ear on a patient or family, because we don't want to deal with their pain. We as health care providers and I am included must show empathy for their pain or situation and try to develop a care plan that helps them cope or vent their fears, anger and frustrations. We always need to remember no matter how tired we are as health care providers that patients that are dealing with life threatening situations do not need to hear our burdens. We need to dump those burdens on proper counselors that are provided for the health care team.
My husband and I never want to hear again that we were a burden, because we had a hard time coping. Those were the words from a social worker at a well known Cancer Center. We want every patient to be evaluated and counseled before treatment begins. My husband's rights as a cancer patient were all violated and I pray every day that no one ever has to hear a doctor say he does not care what happens to his patients. I also never want a patient advocate to tell a patient that what happens to them is not any concern of the health care team. The advocates need to be trained to uphold the confidentiality of the patient and help resolve issues and not to judge them.
There is a reason that there is a list of patient rights at all health care facilities and we as health care professionals should know and honor the patients bill of rights. We may not always agree with the rights, but they are in place to assure that patient receives excellent health care despite any personal feelings we may have. All cancer patients should receive and understand that bill of rights upon admission.
One last point I want to make is that all cancer patients are to have a care plan for survivorship. It is their right to have this plan in writing. It is not the right of the physician to tell you there is no such thing. This is your life and you want to live it to its fullest.
I hope that the patient that said that bad care was because of the patient or family is never mistreated or discriminated against. Yes, there is always going to be a percentage of people that present challenges in life. It is up to us to learn from them, instead of passing judgement. They help make us accountable for our own reactions. I want to read and experience that 100 percent of people touched by cancer will have exceptional care. No cancer patient or family members should be discriminated against due to financial reasons, social status, race, education, profession, religion, personal beliefs, mental problems, or other illnesses.
My husband is a survivor and we not only survived the cancer, but we survived all the challenges that came with it. We didn't give up despite those who turned their backs toward us and friendships lost along the journey. We picked ourselves up and with help healed our soul. We walked away from the negative people and filled our life with people who love us. We surrendered our problems to God and forgiveness prevailed. God bless all cancer patients.
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
No comments:
Post a Comment