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 July 2018
Computer problems have hit British Airways operations at London's Heathrow Airport.
[more...]
19 July 2018
The flu vaccination does not appear to have been effective in protecting against so-called Aussie flu, figures show.
18 July 2018
Bowel cancer screening tests could also provide an insight into whether patients are at risk of other illnesses, a new study has revealed.
17 July 2018
France is still celebrating today after its national football team brought home football's biggest prize after a thrilling final in Moscow.
14 July 2018
Too many passengers heading abroad this summer will be travelling without adequate protection for when an airline goes bust, a new study has shown.
13 July 2018
The mother of Bradley Lowery has welcomed the news that a drug used to help treat her son will soon be made available for other patients on the NHS.
12 July 2018
British GPs have prevented thousands of strokes after learning how to better identify and treat a common heart condition, research has shown.
11 July 2018
London City Airport is considering lodging an application to increase flight and passenger numbers, its boss has revealed.
10 July 2018
Captain Harry Kane is leading England's unexpected bid for glory, and is hoping to inspire the next generation of footballers by going all the way in Russia.
07 July 2018
Experts have warned that a lack of rigorous testing of skin cancer detection apps is putting the public at risk.
06 July 2018
Easyjet has added to worries that travellers are set for a summer of chaos, revealing that nearly 1,300 flights were cancelled last month.
05 July 2018
Soaring temperatures across the UK have led to a surge of asthma sufferers calling a dedicated asthma helpline, a charity has revealed.