Young Volunteers Help close Social Gap in Cancer Care

The Healing Beyond the Body Program is addressing gaps in the social aspect of cancer care by connecting volunteers with patients right in the Margaret Hospital.

The diagnosis of cancer is a jarring experience. Patients face a battery of diagnostic tests, clinic visits, specialist consultations and intense treatments that drastically affect their quality of life. Oncology healthcare professionals work tirelessly to meet the growing demands of cancer, but often gaps exist in the social aspects of cancer care.

Addressing this gap is a passionate, specially trained group of volunteers involved in the Healing Beyond the Body Program (HBB) at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Their role is to connect with the patients in the various clinics and provide support and information by sharing practical treatment tips, helping to prepare for clinic visits and just by being there in the waiting room before a chemotherapy session.

Duke Chen is an undergraduate life science student at the University of Toronto who enjoys spending time with patients and is pursuing a career in health care as a result of his time spent in the HBB program. “It’s my job to make patients feel at home while they wait for an appointment,” says Duke who has volunteered with PMH for over a year. “It’s not just about providing resource information, it’s about sharing conversations about treatments and future plans.”

The response has been overwhelming and both patients and staff have commented on the fact that the very presence of the HBB volunteers helps to relieve some of the anxiety and stress that may be associated with treatment.

“Cancer effects every domain of life simultaneously, including self esteem, body image, career and interpersonal relationships,” says Dr. Gary Rodin, Head of Psychosocial Oncology at PMH. “HBB volunteers change the atmosphere in the clinic. They underscore the importance of social support for all people, regardless of health status.”

There are over 150 volunteers currently involved in the HBB program and each one is focused on helping patients and their families connect with the supports they may need to address the psychosocial aspects of a cancer diagnosis.

REHACARE.de; Source: University Health Network (UHN)

- More about the University Health Network at: www.uhn.ca

Related Articles

• Diabetic Research Could Reduce Screening Costs
• Ways to Evaluate End-of-Life Care in Nursing Homes
• Medi-Cal Caregivers Live In or Near Poverty