Psychosocial Support Services/Assessment
Steve Pittman sees overlap in the roles of the oncology navigator and the social worker in providing psychosocial support. He believes one of the most important jobs for either oncology team member is to simply listen to the patient.
The social worker is critical in providing psychosocial care to patients with cancer, and Steve Pittman feels they should leverage their training to guide patients in a positive direction to address their mental health.
Steve Pittman questions the availability of psychosocial support services, stating that, unfortunately, they can be difficult to obtain.
Steve Pittman stresses the importance of conducting distress screenings to help healthcare providers determine if any psychological factors are exacerbating the physical illness.
Steve Pittman encourages oncology navigators to lead the conversation around psychosocial support for patients with mental illness.
Steve Pittman attributes blame and shame as major barriers that prevent patients with mental health issues from seeking psychosocial support.
Steve Pittman outlines some of the challenges in working with patients with mental illness, citing the importance of opening lines of communication and eliminating blame.
Video Library - Best Practices, Psychosocial Support Services/Assessment, Role of the Navigator, Barriers to Care
Rev Dr Jason Coker describes some of the economic and geographic barriers that the rural poor face in obtaining cancer care.
Video Library - Patient Navigators, Psychosocial Support Services/Assessment, Role of the Navigator, Barriers to Care
Rev Dr Jason Coker addresses the interconnected problems of poverty among rural populations and the need for a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Video Library - Patient Navigators, Psychosocial Support Services/Assessment, Role of the Navigator, Barriers to Care
Rev Dr Jason Coker on the necessity of having a national coalition linking local programs together for greater access.
