Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
11 June 2015 09:26
A touch-screen tablet can be used to record cancer patients' main concerns
Cancer patients can now have their care more closely tailored to their personal needs, thanks to a new tool developed by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Patients can record their needs and concerns using a touch-screen tablet before the data is transmitted to a clinician via a secure website.
The information collected through the electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA) is then used to help draw up a personal care plan for the patient concerned.
Boosting patient confidence
More than half (54%) the patients surveyed for their views on eHNA said the tool had enabled them to raise their concerns with those caring for them.
And over a third (36%) told the Ipsos Mori researchers that it had helped boost their confidence when it came to discussing sensitive personal worries.
An analysis of nearly 4,000 eHNA-generated care plans, meanwhile, sheds light on what most concerns newly diagnosed cancer patients.
It shows that one in four find it difficult to cope with cancer's emotional impact, while many also struggle with sleep, anxiety and fear.
Holidays
Being able to walk, get around and travel is another major concern of cancer patients, although foreign holidays need not be ruled out if people are covered by a cancer travel insurance policy.
Top concerns revealed
According to the analysis, the most common concern among those with cancer is how to deal with their worry, fear or anxiety.
Coping with tiredness, sleep problems, pain and eating issues are other major concerns, as are worries about getting frustrated or angry, and the disease's effect on memory and concentration levels.
Macmillan Cancer Support's director of services and influencing, Juliet Bouverie, says the survey shows that using eHNA results as a framework for talks with clinicians benefits patients.
She adds that providing healthcare professionals with detailed information about what most concerns patients can help them improve the way they plan and provide care.
20 November 2018
Health officials are hoping blood donors keep their appointments in the run-up to Christmas to avoid stocks running low over the festive period.
[more...]
17 November 2018
London Stansted could soon welcome 43 million passengers a year, after a bid to raise its capacity was approved by the local council.
16 November 2018
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
15 November 2018
Smokers who regularly use vapers are more likely to try and quit smoking for good, new research has suggested.
14 November 2018
Leukaemia patients are now a step closer to personalised treatments after a British study looked at the role gene mutations play in blood cancers.
13 November 2018
A quick scan of the blood vessels in a patient's neck could soon be a critical part of future dementia screening, new research has suggested.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.