Providing resources for body, mind, and spirit
Center weaves together all aspects of patient care
When cancer patients walk into the Ida and Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Comprehensive Cancer Center, they can expect to find the support they need in their battle with the disease. The center embraces the holistic approach of mind, body, and spirit by providing informational services, education on health, and programs that address emotional or spiritual issues. "We weave together all aspects of patient care," says Keren Stronach, MPH, director of the cancer resource center.
Focused on four core areas
To provide the supportive care cancer patients throughout the San Francisco bay area need, the center focuses on four core areas:
1. Information services.
Staff always are available to conduct research for the patients on any questions they have, whether they want to know more about their diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials, or drug side effects. There also are books, audio and videotapes, and computers available if patients want to look for information on their own. The center also has a comprehensive database on services cancer patients might need. The list encompasses the entire Bay Area, not just San Francisco, because the center serves anyone with cancer no matter where they are being treated.
2. Lifestyle support.
Programs in this category encourage a healthy lifestyle to facilitate the healing process during treatment and recovery. A nutritionist schedules appointments with patients on Mondays to provide counseling on their nutritional needs. For example, patients may be taking a medication that depletes them of a particular nutrient they need to make sure they add to their diet. A nutritional workshop is held once a month.
A fatigue management program gives patients the opportunity to meet with an oncology nurse to determine strategies for diminishing fatigue. An exercise component offers classes in traditional exercise, restorative movement that combines Tai Chi, Qigong, the Feldenkrais method, dance therapy, and gentle yoga.
3. Emotional support.
The center provides many different avenues for people to meet and interact. "We live in a society that is fairly fragmented, and people don’t necessarily have big expansive support systems. Often with a cancer diagnosis, people feel quite isolated and alone," explains Stronach.
There are 17 support groups offered through the center, such as young adults with cancer, melanoma, general cancer -all stages, gay men living with cancer, and husbands and significant others. A database of about 500 area support groups makes it possible for staff to find the right placement for almost anyone.
The peer support program links newly diagnosed cancer patients with veteran patients who can discuss their experience and relieve some of the anxiety and feelings of isolation. The prescreened volunteers are empathetic listeners, but do not offer medical advice. A match can be made by age, diagnosis, treatment, language, gender, ethnicity, religion, or familial status.
A monthly workshop combines information with social interaction. The cancer center discussion forum takes place in an informal setting providing an opportunity for patients and staff to socialize while topics about managing the disease process are covered. Discussion topics have included acupuncture, herbs, and cancer; keeping hope alive while preparing for death; and relaxation, visualization, and stress reduction.
The center often holds "Writing as Healing" and "Art for Recovery" workshops. Plans for an open art studio located at the center are in the works.
4. Guidance in health care navigation.
For many people, the health care system can be confusing and frustrating. Therefore, the center created several programs that address this issue. A health insurance and benefits workshop is held twice a month for three hours. Those who attend meet with an insurance expert to discuss their individual needs.
Another program helps patients make the most of their doctor visit. A staff person sits with the patient for 45 minutes to an hour going over the patient’s main concerns. Together, they map out a plan for the next physician visit and print two copies of the questions the patient has — one for the patient and one for the physician.
"Often, patients think for weeks in advance of their appointment about all the questions they have and then forget them during their 15-minute visit with the doctor," says Stronach. This program is especially helpful to new patients or patients at critical decision points in their care.
Services are free to patients
The Prepare for Surgery-Heal Faster program uses mind-body techniques to help people achieve a state of mind favorable to healing. Techniques include visualization, meditation, listening to audiotaped healing statements during surgery, and recruiting a support team.
The center also provides information upon request about alternative and complementary medicine, as well as connections to practitioners. The center offers a disclaimer with the information to let the patient know it is not endorsing the treatment or practitioner. For example, a facility in nearby Oakland offers free acupuncture and alternative care such as homeopathy, meditation, and massage to low-income women with cancer, so the center alerts women to the service.
To meet the needs of the 800 to 1,000 patients who visit the Cancer Resource Center, four full-time staff members are employed. They include two health educators, an office manager, and director. The consultants who conduct the classes and counseling are paid, as well.
The nonprofit center is supported entirely with grant money and donations. Patients are not charged for services. "All our programs without exception are free to anybody with cancer regardless of where they receive their care," says Stronach.
For more information about the Cancer Resource Center at UCSF’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, contact:
• Keren Stronach, MPH, Director, Ida and Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2356 Sutter St., First Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143-1725. Telephone: (415) 885-3693. Fax: (415) 885-3701. E-mail: [email protected].
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