Summary:
Metastatic breast cancer should be managed like a chronic disease; using this model will allow for the patient and the physician to choose the treatment that has the greatest likelihood of success while honoring the patient’s values and quality of life. Healthcare professionals can help patients and their families learn to understand the disease, prepare for the end stages of disease, and cope with the reality of death. Patients and spouses who attend couples retreats for breast cancer seminars value the experience of learning and engaging with others who have gone through the disease process.
Objectives:
The goal of this program is to teach health care professionals to treat metastatic breast cancer as a chronic disease while addressing the emotional challenges to patients and family members as well as assisting patients in choosing treatment options that are in accordance with personal values and priorities. Upon completion of this session participants should know the following:
- Understand the differences in the philosophic management of Stage IV breast cancer versus Stages 0-3 breast cancer
- Learn at least 3 ways healthcare providers can improve to make the treatment experience and end of life outcome easier for patients and families to endure
- Recognize the value of incorporating humor as a form of complementary medicine along with traditional treatment
- Understand the expectations patients have of treatment
- Recognize the value of having the patient define how she measures quality of life for herself
Approval Information
This course is intended for nursing and nutrition professionals
Gannett Education is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Accredited Provider (#GD001) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This course is a Level 2 course.
Gannett Education is also accredited by the Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition (provider # FBN 50-1489).