An innovative play which tackles issues surrounding cancer, such as pain and communication between doctors and patients, will be staged at the Galway Clinic on Wednesday at 7.15pm.
The production, entitled Cancer Tales which has toured Europe, recounts cancer patients’ experiences at each step of their journey.
Effective communication is critical in the management of patients with cancer, especially those suffering from pain, according to the play. However, it outlines this important element of their care is often overlooked.
Through these personal accounts the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and their patients becomes clear. The dialogue in each original scene from the play illustrates a particular communication issue experienced by cancer patients and/or their family, from diagnosis to discussions about disease progression or anxiety about examinations and treatment procedures.
The initiative is backed by several patient and medical organisations including the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Pain Society, all of which support the need for educational tools of its kind.
“People who have cancer don’t always have pain,” explains Olwyn Ryan, patient support groups manager with the Irish Cancer Society. “Everyone is different. But if you do have cancer pain you should know that you don’t have to accept it. Cancer pain can almost always be relieved but it is important that pain is reported. The palliative care team are specialists in pain control and will help you and your doctor control the symptom.”
The Irish Pain Society also endorses the initiative. Dr Brona Fullen, president of the Irish Pain Society, says it recognises the importance of good communication between health care professionals, patients and their families to maximise patient care and pain relief.
“By doing so, this will help to reduce the impact of the disease on both the patient and their family.”
Recent results from a “European Pain in Cancer” survey support the need for more effective communication in the management of cancer. The study indicated that although one in two cancer patients were suffering from moderate to severe pain most of them had to proactively raise the subject with their physician. Nearly a quarter stated their doctor never or only rarely asked about their pain. One in five patients with moderate to severe pain were not receiving treatment for it.
The play is supported by a workbook which can be used as practical guidance when training healthcare professionals to improve communication. Issues are addressed in the detailed chapters which provide advice, guidance and practical exercises designed to create an understanding of the impact of communication and to improve the interaction between healthcare professionals and their patients.
The play will tour Ireland for a week and is open to healthcare professionals, palliative care specialists and counsellors working with patients and their families.
For further information and to receive an invitation for the event telephone (01 ) 6145102/ 6070221 or e-mail [email protected]
