Understanding Holistic Needs Assessment in Cancer Care

Introducing Key Characters:

• Emma:

  • A busy healthcare professional.
  • Roles include home visits, running clinics, and attending meetings.
  • Struggles with time constraints in patient consultations.

• Jenny:

  • 41 years old, wife to Tony, and mother of three.
  • Recently diagnosed with cancer.
  • Feels shock, fear, and concern for her family.

Initial Consultation:

• Emma and Jenny's First Meeting:
  • Discussion on treatment options.
  • Provision of informative leaflets and booklets.
  • Lack of detailed discussion due to time constraints.

Challenges Faced by Jenny:

• Struggles with chemotherapy.
• Anxiety over financial impacts and burden of illness.
• Hesitance to discuss financial concerns with Emma.

Ongoing Issues:

• Emotional withdrawal due to chemo dread and financial stress.
• Emma's increased time demands from patient queries.

Solution: Holistic Needs Assessment

• Training Provided:
  • Emma receives training on holistic needs assessment and care planning.
  • Confidence in structured conversations to support cancer patients.

Implementing Holistic Needs Assessment:

• Revisiting First Consultation:

  • Jenny completes a holistic needs assessment in the waiting room.
  • Highlights concerns about chemotherapy and financial impacts.

• Follow-up with Structured Discussion:

  • Emma spends 30 minutes reviewing assessment with Jenny.
  • Provides information on financial support (e.g., referral to benefits advisor or Macmillan support line).
  • Discusses anxiety management strategies and support groups.

Outcomes of Holistic Approach:

• Development of a care and support plan.
• Continued assessment as Jenny’s needs evolve, with community support involvement.
• Jenny feels supported and confident to seek help.
• Access to information and local support sessions.

Benefits for Healthcare Professionals:

• For Emma:
  • Structured conversations ensure comprehensive consultations.
  • Reduction in patient anxiety and subsequent phone inquiries.
  • Assurance of person-centered care, improving patient journey.

Further Support:

• Contact Macmillan Cancer Support for more information on holistic needs assessment.