Dr. Carole Mayer, a scientist at the Health Sciences North Research Institute, focuses on the psychological and social impact of cancer on patients. She helped to implement distress screening for cancer patients in 14 community hospitals in northeastern Ontario. The screening gives patients a window to more freely explain to their providers their needs and concerns. Mayer says providers often have their own concerns when they assess a patient. She highlights that to be patient-focused, particular attention needs to be placed on patients’ psychological and social experience of cancer. All major cancer centres in Ontario participate in distress screening programs and Mayer's work has expanded the practice to community hospitals and clinics that provide cancer treatment and chemotherapy.
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Expérience des soins