Patient advocacy Session

Introduction

ISCO, driven by the belief in the crucial role of patient advocacy in healthcare, has forged partnerships with organizations to champion the needs of patients and their families.
It is, as a part of our mission, a to witness equality of education among all stakeholders and patients’ families and advocates are no different.

For that, during The ISCO 2024 Congress, a dedicated session was held to advocate for patients, not only providing essential information but also empowering individuals and caregivers with the knowledge and support needed to navigate healthcare confidently. This collaborative effort aims to enhance patient autonomy and active engagement in healthcare decisions, fostering overall well-being.

In collaboration with “We Want Life,” ISCO was working towards improving cancer patients’ health outcomes through evidence-based practices. This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to promote Public, Private, and Patient Partnerships (PPPPs) for a sustainable healthcare system. The session will focused on empowering healthcare professionals and caregivers, seeking the optimal societal response to enhance the quality of life for individuals with cancer and their caregivers.

ISCO 2024 Patient Advocacy Session

ISCO has partnered with “We Want Life” to improve cancer patients’ health outcomes using patient-based evidence, in alignment with the government’s direction to foster PPPPs (Public, Private and Patient Partnership) to achieve a more sustainable healthcare system .   The session will revolve around the concept of:

 Empowering Health Care Professionals and Caregivers: Finding the Right Societal Response to Give People with Cancer and Their Caregivers a Proper Quality Of Life

Objectives of the session

Egyptian government had exerted a significant effort toward achieving a better cancer detection rate in addition to the unwavering evolution of treatment services and modalities which had in turn resulted in the emergence of the caregivers and HCPs intensified responsibility and stress levels.                Today Caregivers and HCPs face numerous challenges in healthcare, from balancing their own well-being with their responsibilities to navigating complex medical systems and managing the needs of their loved ones. They often experience emotional strain, financial burdens, and lack of support.  This session aims to finding the solution to the caregivers’ problems and revealing means of awareness for a better quality of life.       For that, the session will engage panelists to:

  1. Defining the various individuals who fulfill the role of caregivers in different capacities.
  2. To define key challenging points for Caregivers and HCPs hindering the process of early cancer detection and a smooth patient journey.
  3. To define key challenging health care disparities that affect caregivers ability to help their significant through the treatment phase.
  4. Highlighting the essential role of caregiver advocacy in cancer treatment and care.
  5. Define key behavior changing tools needed for influential awareness campaigns essential to improve early cancer detection rates and more efficient patient treatment journey.
  6. Define means to utilize the global scientific community to provide training for an improved cancer detection rates and better holistic approach version of healthcare service.

Target Audience

  1. Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare providers who interact with patients and play a role in their care.
  2. Community Members: Members of the community who are interested in learning about healthcare issues, advocating for change, or supporting patients and caregivers in their community.
  3. Advocates and Activists: Individuals who are passionate about healthcare advocacy, social justice, and patient empowerment.
  4. Policy Makers and Stakeholders: Policymakers, government officials, healthcare administrators, insurers, and other stakeholders who have the power to influence healthcare policies, practices, and systems. For Which it will help drive systemic change and improve healthcare outcomes.
  5. Caregivers: Family members, friends, or other individuals who provide care and support for patients, including those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special healthcare needs.
  6. Students and Trainees: Future healthcare professionals, social workers, public health professionals, and advocates who are in training or education programs are welcome to benefit from the session which will provide insights into patient advocacy, healthcare disparities, and patient-centered care.
  7. Industry Representatives: Representatives from pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare technology firms, and other industry stakeholders.
  8. Media and Communication Professionals: Journalists, writers, bloggers, and communication professionals who cover healthcare topics and have the ability to raise awareness, amplify patient voices, and shape public discourse around healthcare issues.

Spectrum of the session

1.Health Care Professionals’ needs for a more efficient early cancer detection and treatment Along the Patient Journey: Insights for Oncologists

  • Enhancing oncologists’ understanding of the diverse needs of patients throughout the cancer journey from early detection to hospice treatment
  • What are the specific needs and support systems required by informal caregivers, nurses, physicians, and other caregivers?
  • What are the challenges facing HCPs for a more efficient treatment plan
  • Identify all the above challenges as key points for a behavior changing plan.

2.Who is the Cancer Caregiver? Identifying the Diverse Roles

  • Unveiling the multifaceted nature of cancer caregivers, including informal caregivers, nurses, physicians, and other key individuals
  • How do the roles and responsibilities of different caregivers vary within the cancer care ecosystem?
  • Exploring the unique contributions and challenges faced by each type of caregiver ?

3.Cancer Patient Groups and patients’ advocates: Allies in supporting patients’ needs

  • Equipping healthcare professionals with a guide on how cancer patient groups can provide support to patients
  • How can healthcare professionals collaborate with cancer patient groups to enhance support for informal caregivers, nurses, physicians, and other caregivers?
  • What specific resources or services do cancer patient groups offer to assist patients through their journey and how to utilize these resources to formulate an action plan in collaboration with HCPs.

4.The Role of Media in Supporting Caregivers and HCPs.

  • Exploring the impact of media platforms such as television, social media, cinema, and TV series in raising awareness and supporting diverse patients and caregivers
  • How can media effectively portray and advocate for the needs of cancer patient, informal caregivers, and other caregivers?
  • Showcasing examples of media initiatives that highlight the diverse patient stories and caregiver roles and provide valuable support and resources.

A Session Wrap- Up

  1. Identify key challenges for early cancer detection
  2. Identify the behavior changing means to a better influential awareness campaigns.
  3. Identify the gaps of knowledge to both patients and caregivers regarding
  4. Identify the resources needed for caregivers and patients support groups for a better planned patient journey
  5. Pinpoint the means for media support in behavior changing awareness campaigns.

Thursday 9th
Waldorf Astoria Hotel ( Hall B )

TIME
LECTURE

14:00 – 15:30

A round table to discuss a framework to address the cancer
caregivers needs for better quality of life