All individuals with cancer should receive these key universal psychological interventions. The following can be delivered in a clinician-supported self-management format by any healthcare professional trained in these strategies.
All individuals with cancer should receive education on practical things they can do to reduce the psychological impact of surgery and recovery. This includes information on:
- What to expect during admission and recovery
- Activating supports
- Emotional (e.g. engaging in meditation, contacting supports)
- Practical (e.g. preparing meals)
- Financial (e.g. income insurance)
- Social (e.g. help with children)
- Planning achievable activities for admission and recovery.
Individuals with cancer should be provided strategies to help enhance communication with the treating team.
This includes strategies to get the most out of their healthcare appointments such as:
- Writing down questions for their clinician beforehand
- Letting the clinician know at the start of the appointment they have questions for them so the clinician can plan the time accordingly
- Prioritising their questions so the most important one is asked first
- Taking notes or asking if they can audio record the appointment to help remember the information
- Bringing a support person to help take notes, ask the important questions, and remember the information. Individuals can also call their support person at the start of the appointment if they are unable to attend in person
- Repeating back their understanding of what was said so that clinicians can correct any misunderstandings
- Use of question prompt lists (see appendix A for examples)
- Identifying the appropriate clinician to contact and method of contacting them if they have any questions following the appointment.
This essential component should include education and information on relaxation techniques such as breathing relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation (where surgery does not impact the ability to tense muscles), and guided imagery. Information can be provided in written form or videos with supplied relaxation audio guides. See the Relaxation drop down in Resources for patients for options.
It is important people with cancer understand what they can expect after surgery and how their healthcare team will help monitor and manage pain and nausea. This education can include:
- Reasons for pain and nausea after surgery
- Different pain and nausea management options available after surgery
- How to score pain
- Relaxation training to manage pain and nausea
- Importance of taking pain relieving medications when recommended
- Potential side effects of pain medications.