Continuity of Care - Cancer Science

What is Continuity of Care in Cancer?

Continuity of care in the context of cancer refers to the consistent and seamless management of a patient's cancer treatment journey. It involves coordination among various healthcare providers and services to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive and uninterrupted care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Why is Continuity of Care Important for Cancer Patients?

Continuity of care is crucial for cancer patients due to the complex and often long-term nature of cancer treatment. It helps in maintaining patient-centered care, enhancing the quality of life, and improving treatment outcomes. Consistent care can reduce treatment-related complications and ensure timely management of side effects.

Who is Involved in Providing Continuity of Care?

Continuity of care involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, nurses, surgeons, radiologists, and primary care physicians. Additionally, social workers, nutritionists, and psychologists play vital roles in supporting the patient's overall well-being.

How is Continuity of Care Ensured?

Continuity of care is ensured through effective care coordination and communication among healthcare providers. Electronic health records (EHRs) play a significant role in sharing patient information. Regular multidisciplinary team meetings and care plans tailored to the individual patient’s needs also contribute to seamless care.

What are the Challenges in Maintaining Continuity of Care?

Maintaining continuity of care can be challenging due to factors such as fragmented healthcare systems, lack of communication among providers, and patient mobility. Additionally, insurance issues and resource limitations can impede the delivery of continuous care.

How Can Patients Contribute to Continuity of Care?

Patients can contribute by actively participating in their care, keeping track of their treatment history, and communicating openly with their healthcare providers. They should also be aware of their care plan and follow prescribed treatments and follow-up schedules.

What Role Does Technology Play in Continuity of Care?

Technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring continuity of care. Tools such as telemedicine, patient portals, and mobile health applications enable better communication between patients and providers. EHRs facilitate the seamless transfer of patient information across different healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Continuity of care is fundamental in the treatment and management of cancer. It involves a collaborative approach among healthcare providers and the active participation of patients. By addressing challenges and leveraging technology, continuity of care can significantly enhance the overall treatment experience and outcomes for cancer patients.

Relevant Publications

[Chronic kidney disease and accelerated aging: the role of comprehensive geriatric assessment.]

Issue Release: 2024

Observations of substance use treatment engagement during the period of community re-entry following residential treatment.

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Integrated patient-centred care for type 2 diabetes in Singapore Primary Care Networks: a mixed-methods study.

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Changing how the third 95 is counted: suitable indicators for measuring U = U with findings from Taiwan.

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Factors Influencing Primary Care Career Choice: A Multi-Institutional Cross-sectional Survey of Internal Medicine Primary Care Residency Graduates.

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\'It was horrible to watch, horrible to be a part of\': Midwives\' perspectives of obstetric violence.

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Smarter continuity in an era of expanding challenges in primary care.

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Radiation Therapy Delivery During the 2023 Israel-Hamas War: Trust Prevails Over Fear.

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Hospital Staff Perspectives on the Drivers and Challenges in Implementing a Virtual Rehabilitation Ward: Qualitative Study.

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Developing evidence-based medication therapy management tools for psychiatric nurses: An evaluative qualitative case study.

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Financial hardship and Australian midwifery students: A scoping review and thematic analysis.

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When Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Gets Disrupted by Extra-Clinical Variables, How Should Clinicians Respond?

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Services in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Healthcare Providers\'Perspectives.

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Tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma undergoing combined therapy with a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor and first‑line chemotherapy: A case report.

Issue Release: 2024

Implementing virtual primary care: experiences, perspectives and identification of improvement opportunities in an academic primary care setting.

Issue Release: 2024

AEGIS-AcutE Geriatric Intervention Study: pilot study of frontline acute geriatric assessment to improve quality of care in emergency department.

Issue Release: 2024

Transitional Care for Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: A Review.

Issue Release: 2024

Unusual Acute Appendicitis Complicated by Sepsis, Evisceration, and Ileostomy: A Case Report.

Issue Release: 2024

Impact of continuity of care based on Triangle theory on nutritional status of patients after pancreatic cancer surgery: a retrospective study.

Issue Release: 2024

[ORPHYS - Treatment Manual for a Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Patients with Serious Physical Illness].

Issue Release: 2024

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