Care of Cancer Patients - Essay Example

According DH (2007, p. 21), 230,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and about 125,000 people die from cancer in the United Kingdom annually. Cancer accounted for 38 percent of premature death for people below 75 years in 2005. Great Britain (2008, p. 16) revealed that cancer mortality rates are still higher and the inequalities in cancer treatment is worrying. The overall incidence of cancer increased in the United Kingdom by 25 percent over the last thirty years. The incidence of cancer is expected to increase even further as people with cancer live longer while others survive (DH 2007, 11). According to Cancer Research UK, men and women experienced an upsurge of cancer incidences by 14 percent and 32 percent respectively. Poor coordination across government agencies, caregivers and the public makes diagnosis and treatment of cancer difficult. Furthermore, high cost of treatment, lack of appropriate information and increasing aging population places more huddles on the road towards effective and efficient diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Therefore, there is need for change in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Change can be effected by choosing and implementing one or more approaches to advancing care to patients. There are various approaches that can be used to redesign health care provision to people suffering from cancer in the United Kingdom. According to Purves (2002, p.6), team nursing, Frezen concept, consumer focused and patients focused approaches are four main approaches that are applied in providing health care to the patients in a health centre or a hospital. Patient care approach is one of the most effective approaches in this era. This is because The objectives that patient care approach can effect include; First objective is to diagnose and treat cancer early. This is because early diagnosis is cost efficient and increases the chance for cure (WHO, 2008, p. 9). Therefore, early diagnosis can contribute to lower mortality rates. Second objective is to reduce inequalities currently inherent in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Inequalities are caused by increasing cost of cancer treatment and lack of adequate information about cancer in public domain. According to Department of Health 2007, there are significant variations in cancer diagnosis and treatment centres in the United Kingdom. This is as a result of in adequate information on all costs of cancer services. Variations are evident in costs of treatment, capacity and facilities for administering treatment. The third objective is to promote cancer preventive measures. Snoddon (2010, p. 142) stated that cancer can be prevented through reduction/elimination of smoking, reduction of obesity as well as avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. It has been revealed that half of all cancers can be prevented by changes in lifestyle (DH 2007, p. 11). Research revealed strong correlation between smoking, obesity and excess alcohol to increased risks of several cancers. More effort must be applied in encouraging and making people aware of the consequences of bad lifestyles. The government has been vocal in reducing smoking by hiking the prices of cigarettes and taking appropriate steps to reduce availability of illicit cigarettes. Patient focused approach The main purpose for adopting patient focused approach in provision of health care to cancer patients is to ensure that diagnosis, medicine and treatment is accessible at the right time to patients. The approach also ensures that the quality of medicine for treatment is of high quality and in accordance to the standards laid down. Patient focus approach ensures that the treatment administration staff encourages the patient to follow the treatment regime/ procedures. This is because if patients are left on their own they may not stick to the treatment guidelines (Patton, 1997, p. 157-159). The government and other authorities should develop concrete and practical rules and guidelines to be followed by oncologist and caregivers as they treat and care for cancer patients. This will ensure that quality treatment and health care is provided to all patients. Advantages of patient focus approach. Link patient benefits to those of community and treatment centre. The patient gets value for their money. It is a flexible and adaptable approach that can accommodate emerging technologies. It is more likely to be effective because patients will feel welcomed and relaxed when addressed as human beings rather than patients. According to Cherry and Jacob (2005, p. 451), patient care should be at the heart of hospital services. This is critical for future standard of medical services. There is accountability for wide range of health care to the patient and assures consistency patient care. The approach is strategic (long term) because it considers the needs of current and future patients. It is possible to provide high quality in this approach because it allows members to apply their skills and talent in the provision of care services. The main disadvantages of the approach It can be extremely expensive to administer because more funds are needed to purchase latest cancer treatment technologies that are responsive to patients needs. It can reduce oncology staff morale if the clients are excessively demanding. As a result there may be increased cases of staff absenteeism and staff turnover. Patient focus approach can be viewed as an economic tool of productivity instead of for increased effectiveness. Furthermore, a significant organizational culture change is demanded to ensure that the approach is embraced by staff. This approach demands teamwork among doctors and care givers. Team nursing The other approach is team nursing. This is where all care givers work as a team to deliver health care services to the patients. It is effective and efficient method of delivering care (Valins and Salter, 1996, p. 128- 135). It work best when team members have strong clinical skills, excellent communication, fair delegation of duties and are cooperative. In this approach, care givers have the opportunity to offer their best skills ands expertise in the team when caring for the patients. Level of patient care is dictated by the number of auxiliary staff. Most decisions are made by members. Therefore, there is a high chance of implementing them. In addition, problems are solved as a team. Disadvantages about the team nursing include; Provision of care may not be sustainable because daily team assignments may vary and patients are confronted by many caregivers. In addition, the leader may be lacking necessary skills to create a tem spirit and direct it. There are so much activity in the team that it may lead to insufficient time for planning. Lack of planning may lead to breakdown in communication, poor delegation of duties and flawed decision making. Table I Design a simple project plan for change Goals actions by what date Area for development Action Resources required By what date Success criteria To diagnose and treat cancer early The government should invest in new digital mammography equipment. Men should be encouraged to talk and worry about their health problems like women to increase the level of care especially for the prostrate and colon cancer. All women between the ages of 47 and 73 years should access the breast Cancer Screening Programme by 2012 and all persons aged between 70 and 75 years should access NHS Bowel screening by 2011. All girls should be vaccinated against the human papilloma virus that causes cervical cancers. Encourage people to seek early treatment. Money, communication equipments, people, time, ideas, information on leadership, December 31, 2011 Reduced mortality rates, increased number of people being cured. To reduce inequalities currently inherent in diagnosis and treatment of cancer Provide screening to all people who are likely to contract cancer without discrimination based on affordability, geographical location or age. Increase radiotherapy and chemotherapy capacity by investing in equipment and staff. Deliver screening services, treatment and care in appropriate well known locations. Telephone, internet, communication skills, staff, money, time, June 28, 2012 Increased number of people being cu To promote cancer preventive measures Carry out country wide campaigns informing members of the public of dangers of bad lifestyle. Staff, money, communication equipments, notice board, June 30, 2011 Reduction in consumption of cigarettes and excessive alcohol, References Blazey, LM 2008, Insights to Performance Excellence 2008: An Inside Look at the 2008 Baldrige Award Criteria, ASQ Quality Press, Milwaukee. Cancer Research UK, Cancer incidence and trends , http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/incidence/trends/ Cherry, B & Jacob, RS 2005, Contemporary nursing: issues, trends, & management, 3rd edn, Elsevier Health Sciences, Missouri. DH 2007, Cancer Reform Strategy, London. 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