PATIENT EDUCATION: TEACHING THE PATIENT WITH CANCER

Course overview

Education for the patient with cancer is the process of educating patients and their family members, if appropriate, to increase patient knowledge about cancer, improve skills necessary for self-care (e.g., management of pain and other symptoms), and enhance the ability to cope with having a cancer diagnosis, undergoing prescribed treatment, and handling the effects of cancer and its treatment on quality of life and psychosocial well-being. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of teaching patients about cancer, including information on appropriate types of learning activities, the desired outcome of educating patients with cancer, and the importance of providing culturally sensitive information. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.