While family caregivers play a fundamental role in the lives of cancer patients, they are often relegated to a secondary role within the healthcare team, restricting their communication and opportunities to collaborate more closely. This ignores how the relationship between oncologists, family caregivers and patients impacts the emotional state and the way in which the latter cope with the disease, and even the quality of medical care.
Because of this, at the Astorga Oncology Clinic we have strengthened our support network for patients and family members, in our commitment to offer complete and comprehensive care.
From this space of trust, help and empathy, we care for and guide the relationship between all the members who accompany the patient on this journey, with their well-being at the center of everything.
We know that family members have many questions, especially about how they can work hand in hand with specialists, how to nurture this relationship and what challenges they face. For this reason, we prepared this article with the intention of serving as a guide in this process and helping caregivers and health professionals to maintain a good and healthy dynamic.
How does collaboration between caregivers and health professionals work?
A family caregiver is someone who devotes a significant part of their daily life to caring for people close to them who need help to carry out daily activities, such as adults with functional limitations, adults with intellectual disabilities, or complex chronic and oncological conditions. In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized these people as “essential partners of the care team.”
Therefore, they are considered to be able to “collaborate” with health professionals in the care of patients, that is, work together in a way that they are well informed and actively participate in decisions about treatment. Something like a team where there is trust, respect, and where everyone can speak openly and agree on who does what.
This cooperation is not something that happens overnight. It develops in three stages: first, the family members get involved, then they begin to really collaborate, and finally, they feel empowered, that is, with the capacity and authority to act.
In this type of relationship, the medical team does not just limit itself to informing, but takes the initiative to talk to the family members, ask for their opinion and involve them in the process of deciding how to care for the patient in the best possible way.
Benefits of collaboration between caregivers and health professionals
Since they are in constant contact with the patient, caregivers are also best suited to detect subtle changes that might go unnoticed by medical professionals who have less frequent visits. This reduces unmet patient needs and improves the quality of health care.
However, their role is not limited to observation. There are studies that show that the quality of patient care improves when caregivers are involved in care and decision-making.
In addition, the experience of collaborating with the medical team provides caregivers with significant benefits for themselves, including:
They gain greater knowledge and skills to provide quality care to their loved one. This allows them to feel more secure and confident in their ability to cope with the responsibilities of caregiving.
They achieve a greater sense of control over the situation. This strengthened self-efficacy translates into a better ability to face the challenges of caregiving and take care of their own mental health and well-being.
They reduce the stress and emotional burden associated with family care.
They improve their mental well-being by feeling part of the care team, being listened to and valued by medical professionals, and having spaces to express their concerns and needs.irse parte del equipo de atención, ser escuchados y valorados por los profesionales médicos, y contar con espacios para expresar sus inquietudes y necesidades.
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What is involved in integrating caregivers into the medical team
The conversation that caregivers and health professionals often have focuses on logistical issues, such as medication administration, coordinating transportation and meal services, and basic medical or nursing tasks.
Therefore, their integration into the health care team involves:
Open lines of communication with the medical team or specialist, in order to share information about the patient's condition, changes in symptoms, effectiveness of treatments, and any concerns that arise.
Education and training on how to handle specific aspects of patient care, such as medication administration, pain management, and palliative care, in order to make home care safe and effective.
Creating a care plan that covers both medical treatment and the patient's daily needs, always ensuring that it is practical and fits into the daily life of the patient and his or her family.
Training in basic psychological support techniques, in turn, caregivers can inform professionals about any additional support needs that may be necessary.
Training on how to act in crisis situations or medical emergencies. This includes recognizing signs of deterioration and knowing when to contact health professionals.
Providing additional resources, such as support groups, counseling services, or referrals to other specialists when necessary.
Maintaining practical and understandable language from health professionals to the patient's caregivers, in order to facilitate communication and reduce interpretation problems.
What is the integration model recommended by Astorga?
The doctor-patient-family relationship model is one of the most effective. It proposes a relationship based on trust and closeness, where everyone feels heard and respected. To achieve this, it is important to work on two things:
First, good communication. Health professionals must ensure that both the patient and their family understand everything that is happening, what treatments are going to be used and why. We know that this can be complicated, since medical vocabulary is often technical and difficult for the general public to understand. In addition, when you are sick or worried, it can be more difficult to concentrate or remember everything the doctor says. Therefore, our professionals handle the necessary tools to communicate effectively, understanding the context in which the conversation takes place.
The second thing is to understand that the relationship does not end just because; it continues until the patient improves or, in the worst case, dies. During this time, the doctor must treat the patient with dignity, respecting their decisions and helping them to actively participate in their own treatment.
At Astorga, we extend your care beyond our clinic
At the Astorga Oncology Clinic, we understand the importance of supporting not only our patients but also their families. Our top-notch team, led by highly trained oncologists, is always available to answer questions, offer clarity and alleviate the fear associated with cancer.
Our way of working focuses on close collaboration between caregivers and health professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to the treatment and continuous improvement of our patients. We always train and monitor the care they give to patients at home.
We have cutting-edge treatments and unique technology in Latin America, customized for each case.
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