Patient Centred Care

On the most recent episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, host Dr. Bill Evans sits down with Victoria Chambers and Angela Djuric-Paulin from Hamilton Health Sciences for an important discussion about patient-centred care. This approach can include symptom management, emotional and psychological support, nutrition, family support, and education.

Djuric-Paulin, who champions provincial initiatives at a regional level and helps drive change and innovation in patient education and health literacy, describes a hub-and-spoke model where the patient is in the centre of care. “There are so many different areas and aspects of that care that go beyond the clinical treatments, the medications, the radiation, [and] a patient showing up for their chemo appointment,” she says, emphasizing the importance of resources that support individuals and their families through their cancer journey.

Chambers, who works at the Juravinski Cancer Centre Patient & Family Resource Centre, also believes education is a key to patient-centred care. “We have a full lending library. That means lots of books, CDs, DVDs, not only on particular types of cancer,” she says, adding that many resources are centred on caregiving, talking to children about cancer, and nutrition.

Tune into the complete episode of “Patient-Centred Care for a Better Treatment Journey” for topics such as the role of technology in patient care and resources available to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

All episodes of the Cancer Assist Podcast are available on our website, or simply download the Apple, Google or Spotify app on your mobile device to listen on the go!

The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Board Member, Cancer Assistance Program and Past President, Juravinski Cancer Centre. It’s brought to you by the Cancer Assistance Program.