Reducing the anxiety of Chemotherapy
Before patients receive chemotherapy it is important that they fully understand what is happening and have the opportunity to ask questions at what can be a scary, anxious time. The LJMC has been working with the Chemotherapy team at the Cancer Centre to provide a pre-chemotherapy consultation service.
National guidelines insist that patients who will be receiving chemotherapy as outpatients receive adequate information about their treatment and the side-effects they may experience.
There’s also a myriad of other information to be given to patients, from outlining the treatment day to where to park.
Until recently, this was always done on a one-to-one basis by one of the nurses from the treatment team. This could be a time-consuming activity and could leave patients feeling alone in their diagnosis. It was therefore decided to pilot a scheme whereby the relevant information was conveyed in a group setting.
The informal, friendly atmosphere of the LJMC with our airy relaxation room seemed to be the perfect place and sessions started earlier this year.
The initial sessions were run by our two chemo-trained nurses, Jill Ricks and Theresa Sullivan, and covered all the key areas with plenty of time for questions.
One of the LJMC Drop-in centre volunteers was also on hand to show patients round the hospital to familiarise them with the relevant departments such as pharmacy, pathology and, of course, the Chemotherapy suite itself.
Patients were asked how they felt about receiving the information in a group setting and there was a general consensus that they found it supportive, reducing the sense of isolation that many experienced.
We’re delighted that this new scheme has gone so well and it is to be continued and developed. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, especially the volunteers who give their time to this essential part of the treatment process.
“I must thank you for the chemo information day. It’s honestly the kindest thing that’s happened to us since my diagnosis. It was all for our benefit; to make us more relaxed about what was coming. It took away a lot of anxieties.”
Last updated: 23 July, 2010
