Abstract
About this talk
A special effort is needed to improve patient information and patient conversation in radiation oncology. This focus does not only improve patient satisfaction but also contributes to overall quality care and outcome of radiation oncology therapies. With tight resources high quality time spent with patients is even more relevant. There is no reason for more random time and words. But we need to focus expertise, skills, empathy and novel tools like AI on our patients need.
Material/Methods: Beside systematic teaching, feed-back and outcome measurements on patient conversations we need complementary perspectives and tools. Fictitious "Narrative Oncology" based on patient health care staff interactions can provide such a different perspective while preserving the privacy. Microstories are maximally condensed as a story-tool and go to the core of a human interaction with minimal words. In this abstract two original microstories based on patient observations are depicted as an example. Further microstories within relevant background informations will be provided.
Results:
- The Consultation (Microstory)
The X-ray treatment was safely delivered today. The staff person explains the irradiation course for next week. The patient breathes calmly. The pulse is regular. Pearls of sweat and anxiety on the dry skin are dropping to the floor. A shy smile. A long handshake. Thank you so much. Who's next? Two minutes later an anxious voice in the door. The next patient is here. She needs you - now.
- Eternal Moment (FLASH Microstory)
Eight steps, 4 eyes, 2 hands, one hug, an eternal moment, for today. Patient and spouse can go home, for now, together. And come back tomorrow.
Summary: This presentation will depict selected microstories based on patient observations in an oncology environment. Then in a broader view the importance of how, why and when we share or words, our sentences, our informations with patients will be shared and discussed.
Speaker
About the speaker
