New “Tip Sheets” Help NHL Patients Communicate with the Oncology Team

TON - October 2010, Vol. 3, No 7 — October 22, 2010

Aresearch-based educational program aimed at enhancing communication between non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and their healthcare providers has just been launched and is available for healthcare providers.

Framing Life With Lymphoma was developed by the Cancer Support Community, which unites The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club World wide, and was supported by a grant from Cephalon.

“Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the seventh most common cancer, yet the majority of people who are diagnosed have very little information on the disease and how it may impact their lives,” said David Henry, MD, clinical professor of medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital and the physician advisor for Framing Life With Lymphoma.

The program contains simple tip sheets outlining ways to approach each conversation the patient is likely to encounter from diagnosis through treatment. The information was created through input from an expert steering committee and a national survey of 150 hematologists/oncologists and 133 patients with indolent lymphoma.

The survey found that 96% of physicians and 86% of patients felt their communication could be made more efficient with informational aids. The survey also revealed that about two in five patients do not ask all their intended questions during visits, usually because they don’t remember.

“This survey shows that it is critical that patients have resources to help them understand their condition and treatment options. This helps them communicate more effectively with their physicians,” Henry said.

“In addition to providing information, physicians need to work with their patients to create a team-based approach to treatment,” he added. “Working as a team creates an environment where informed patients are more comfortable addressing their concerns and questions, and this can have a positive impact on their overall treatment experience.”

Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community, also applauded the program.“ We hope Framing Life With Lymphoma will become an important resource for the lymphoma community,” she said. “A clear majority of patients and physicians reported that discussion materials would improve their conversations. That is what this program aims to do.”

The patient tip sheets for newly diagnosed patients and those undergoing treatment, along with the survey results and other program information, can be downloaded at www.FramingLifeWithLymphoma.org.

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