Already a member?
Sign in
| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| May 2 2006, 2:46 PM EDT (current) | Anonymous | 724 words added |
| May 2 2006, 2:08 PM EDT | Anonymous |
Changes
Key: Additions Deletions
This article is written for cancer patients and those who care for cancer patients to help them better understand the roles of the various health professions involve in inpatient cancer care. Outpatient care may be slightly different.
If you're not part of the medical profession, it can be difficult to figure out what all the various health care professionals involved in cancer treatment actually do. With all the doctors, nurses, specialists, etc., it's no wonder that most of us don't understand the roles of all all the folks that are caring for our loved one. And because information is geting pushed from all different directions, it's difficult to figure out who to listen to. Here is a layman's view of the different folks at a cancer care facility:
There other professionals such as pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. that may be part of a patient's care. But the above list should provide a good starting point for anyone trying to navigate the hospital staff for a cancer patient. Best of luck.
If you're not part of the medical profession, it can be difficult to figure out what all the various health care professionals involved in cancer treatment actually do. With all the doctors, nurses, specialists, etc., it's no wonder that most of us don't understand the roles of all all the folks that are caring for our loved one. And because information is geting pushed from all different directions, it's difficult to figure out who to listen to. Here is a layman's view of the different folks at a cancer care facility:
- Attending physician: This is the head physician who develops the overall treatment plan for the cancer patient. Sometimes, this individual is responsible for the longitudinal care of the patient, meaning that he or she will be responsible for monitoring the patient over time, through many phases of treatment. The attending physician is the most important person when it comes to the patient's care. In many ways, he is the quarterback in treating the cancer patient. He may work with various specialists (e.g., radiologists, surgeons, etc.) for specific areas, but it is up to the attending to put all the pieces together for the overall care of the patient. As such, all questions about treatment should be first directed to the Attending Physician. The Attending may direct you elsewhere for specific questions, but always start with the Attending.
The Attending Physician will be the one leading rounds each morning, with an entourage of Fellows, residents, pharmacists, nurses, and other folks.
For more complicated treatments, there may be a committee supporting the Attending Physician that collectively comes up with recommendations on a person's care. For example, Bone Marrow Transplats (a treatment for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma) often involve a committee of physicians who determine whether a patient is qualified for a bone marrow transplant.
- Fellows and residents: The physicians in training are part of the entourage that support the attending physicians. Fellows are in their final years of training, residents may have a ways to go. they help the attending physician out with administering care. For example, it may be a fellow that actually administers the chemo. Please keep in mind that these individuals are still training, so you should NOT rely on them for information that is critical to the patient's care. All too often, these fellows and residents are overambitious young doctors who think they know more than they do. Do not be mislead by their projected confidence. When in doubt, ask to see the attending. And don't be shy -- you won't hurt the fellow's/resdient's feelings.
- Specialists: Specialists are responsible for specific portions of a patient's overall care. Your attending physician will consult with specialists to develop the overall treatment plan. For example, the attending may involve a surgeon to resect a tumor, or a radiation oncologist for radiation therapy (As an aside, three of the main methods of a typical treatment are chemotherapy, usually administered by the attending; surgery, administered by a surgeon; and radiation therapy, administered by a radiation oncologist). The attending may also involve other specialists for treatment not directly related to the cancer. For example, an Infectious Diseases specialists may be brought in to treat an infection, and Neurologist may be brought in to evaluate and treat specific neurological symptoms. When speaking with a specialist about your care, please make sure to take whatever information within the context of the information provided by the attending.
- Nurses: The nursing staff is an important part of a patients care. they will often administer much of the actual care for the patient (e.g., taking blood samples, administering medicine). There is typically a Charge Nurse who is responsible for coordinating the activities of all the nurses within a service. The Charge Nurse is the one you should go to if you have issues with a particular staff member.
There other professionals such as pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. that may be part of a patient's care. But the above list should provide a good starting point for anyone trying to navigate the hospital staff for a cancer patient. Best of luck.
