Department of Integrative Oncology

 

Department of Integrative Oncology at HCG embodies a comprehensive and sustainable model of holistic care that enhances wellbeing of ‘persons with cancer’ at the physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimension.

 

To Develop, Facilitate, and Establish comprehensive and holistic processes that

 

1. Positively enhance the quality of life of the person with disease
2. Create a social environment that reflects and sustains this approach

 

Integrative oncology strives to incorporate patient centred care to the ongoing cancer care programme at HCG through

 

1. Holistic assessment of the concerns of the person who has cancer
2. Reducing distress by management of symptoms like severe pain, breathlessness etc.
3. Empowering the care providers through inputs that enhance clarity
4. Assuring competent, compassionate and continued care through out
5. Enhancing the whole experience by nurturing factors that improve quality of life

The services are provided through The Multidisciplinary Team Approach. The team consists of palliative medicine specialists and specialist nurse and liaison with physician, psychiatrist, ENT surgeon, nutritionists, physiotherapist, specialists from yoga therapy department and psycho-oncological services.

 

Clinical Services

 

• Holistic and integrated clinical assessment and managing medical co-morbidities
• Assessment and treatment of physical and psychosocial symptoms*
• Assessment and treatment of situations related to disease progression
• Completing communication, breaking bad news, counselling
• Home Care
• Family meeting and empowering them to participate
• Procedures (inpatient, OPD, Home Care)

 

ACADEMICS

 

• “Certificate coursein essentials of palliative care” is conducted twice a year [June and November] to create awareness and increase capacity in the field of Palliative care. The two months course, with the three day contact session,aims at clarifying concepts
      • related to managing patients with a chronic advanced diseases such as cancer with special emphasis on
      • Management of chronic and cancer Pain
      • Nursing issues – Lymphedema, bedridden patient, stoma management
      • Decision making based on medical ethics
      • Emergencies in palliative care and their management in chronic diseases
      • Communication skills in practice
      • End of life care and practical issues related to it
      • Introduction to elderly care
      • Community outreach and its role

• Program of Experience in Palliative Care-short certificate course in experience of palliative care

 

 

Events organised

 

• Indian Association Of Palliative Care Certficiate Coursetwice yearly in June and November
• CME for Onco-nurses on“Lymphedema care and Colostomy Care” - Oct 2010
• Symposium on “Yoga and Integrative Oncology” - Dec 2010
• Seminar on “Legalities in Oncological Practice” - 27th Jan 2011
• “Certificate course in essentials of palliative care” - June 2011