World Cancer Day 2025-2027 carries the theme “United by Unique,” highlighting the importance of placing people at the center of cancer care. This initiative emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to cancer treatment, focusing not just on the disease itself but also on the person behind the diagnosis. Each cancer diagnosis represents a unique human story, filled with a variety of emotions and experiences, and these should be recognized and respected by healthcare systems and professionals. The goal is to foster an environment where people feel heard, valued, and understood, promoting not just physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being.
What Does a People-Centered Environment Mean in Cancer Treatment?
A people-centered approach in cancer treatment is one that focuses on the holistic needs of the patient. It goes beyond merely treating the disease and addresses the physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of a person’s experience with cancer. At its core, people-centered care places patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations at the center of the treatment process, creating an environment that supports not just the body but also the mind and spirit.
The World Health Organization defines patient-centered care as care that is respectful of and responsive to the preferences, needs, and values of the individual. It encompasses several key areas of focus:
- Physical Comfort: Ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment, with minimal pain and discomfort.
- Emotional Support: Addressing the emotional needs of patients, such as anxiety, fear, and depression, which can accompany a cancer diagnosis.
- Respect for Patient Preferences and Values: Allowing patients to be involved in decisions about their care based on their individual values and preferences.
- Coordination of Care: Ensuring that all members of the healthcare team work together to provide seamless and coordinated care.
- Involvement of Family and Support Systems: Including the patient’s family and friends in the care process, recognizing their role in supporting the patient emotionally and physically.
- Information and Education: Providing patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
This approach contrasts with traditional biomedical models, which tend to focus solely on the disease and its treatment. The biomedical model often excludes patients and their families from decision-making, leading to fragmented and unsustainable care. In contrast, a people-centered approach seeks to empower patients, making them active participants in their own treatment journey.
The Role of Empathy in Oncology Care
Empathy plays a critical role in people-centered cancer care. Clinical empathy is the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize and understand the emotions and experiences of their patients, allowing for more compassionate and effective care. In oncology, where patients often face serious and life-threatening conditions, empathy can make a significant difference in the overall experience of treatment.
Studies have shown that when healthcare professionals demonstrate empathy, patients are more likely to feel heard and valued. This leads to better communication, which in turn improves treatment outcomes. Empathy helps patients express their concerns and emotions more freely, which allows healthcare professionals to address not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany cancer.
For nurses and other healthcare providers working in oncology, empathy is especially important. Cancer patients often experience significant changes in their quality of life, including side effects from treatment, physical pain, and emotional distress. Nurses, who frequently interact with patients, play a crucial role in providing emotional support and building trust. This empathetic relationship can ease psychological distress, improve patient satisfaction, and even enhance treatment outcomes.
A review study on the role of empathy in oncology care highlighted two key benefits:
- Improved Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes: Empathy encourages patients to share their concerns, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
- Emotional Validation: Patients who feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed are more likely to experience positive emotions, contributing to better mental health and improved outcomes.
Integrating Patient Voices into Care Design
A core aspect of people-centered care is involving patients in decisions about their treatment. When healthcare providers listen to patients’ concerns, preferences, and values, they can create more personalized care plans that align with the patient’s goals and needs. Active participation from patients is associated with better health outcomes, as patients are more likely to follow through on treatment plans when they feel their voices are heard.
To integrate patient voices into the care process, healthcare providers should:
- Ask Patients About Their Needs: Healthcare professionals should take the time to understand what matters most to their patients, from pain management preferences to emotional needs.
- Offer Support: Offering assistance for challenges that arise during treatment can help alleviate patients’ suffering and make them feel more supported.
- Measure Patient Satisfaction: Regularly assessing patient satisfaction and collecting feedback ensures that the care provided is consistent with their needs and preferences.
A people-centered approach is not just about making patients feel good—it can directly improve their treatment outcomes. For instance, patients who are given the opportunity to express their concerns are more likely to receive care that aligns with their personal needs and values, leading to better compliance with treatment protocols and a higher quality of life.
Creating Supportive Spaces for Patients and Families
The impact of cancer extends beyond the patient to their family and loved ones. Cancer diagnoses often bring about significant changes in family dynamics, as caregivers take on new roles and responsibilities. Creating supportive spaces within treatment centers can help ease these transitions and provide much-needed relief for both patients and their families.
Hospitals and treatment centers that prioritize the needs of patients and families can provide a more comfortable and supportive environment. For example, facilities with designated spaces for family members to rest, prepare meals, or have private conversations can reduce stress and enhance the caregiving experience. In some cases, family members may even be given the opportunity to stay close to their loved ones during treatment, further strengthening the support system.
A notable example of a people-centered approach to facility design is Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario. The hospice features a peaceful, two-story great room, surrounded by natural views of a wooded ravine. It offers living spaces for patients, families, and caregivers, with additional areas for relaxation, social activities, and even outdoor grilling. Such spaces allow for a more holistic approach to care that supports the emotional and psychological well-being of both patients and their families.
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Patient-Centered Care
Advancements in technology, including telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming the way cancer care is delivered. These technologies enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely, provide more accurate diagnoses, and deliver personalized treatment plans.
AI-driven tools have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by analyzing large datasets, predicting patient outcomes, and providing personalized care recommendations. Remote healthcare platforms also allow for real-time monitoring, ensuring that patients’ health statuses are constantly tracked, even if they are far from treatment centers.
Telemedicine can also increase accessibility for patients in remote or underserved areas, enabling them to receive care without the need to travel long distances. These digital health solutions ensure that more patients, regardless of their location, can access high-quality care and feel supported throughout their treatment journey.
Examples of People-Centered Programs in Action
Several healthcare institutions have already implemented people-centered care models with great success. One such example is the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, which opened family accommodations in 2022. These accommodations provide free lodging for parents and caregivers of children undergoing urgent and specialized care. By offering families a comfortable place to stay, the hospital ensures that they can provide the emotional support their loved ones need during treatment. This facility has made a significant impact, allowing families to be present for their children without the added burden of worrying about accommodation.
Challenges and Opportunities in Fostering a People-Centered Approach
While there are many benefits to adopting a people-centered approach, several challenges can hinder its implementation. Common barriers include:
- Funding: The costs associated with transforming healthcare practices and facilities can be significant, requiring careful planning and resource allocation.
- Staff Shortages: A shortage of healthcare workers can delay the adoption of new care models and limit the effectiveness of people-centered approaches.
- Inter-Sectoral Integration: Inadequate integration between healthcare sectors, such as hospital care and community care, can hinder the delivery of comprehensive, people-centered care.
Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to overcome these obstacles. For example, the use of technology and remote care solutions can reduce the strain on healthcare staff, allowing them to focus more on delivering personalized care. Additionally, collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and families can create more holistic care plans that address not just medical needs but also emotional and psychological well-being.
The Future of People-Centered Cancer Treatment
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the integration of people-centered care in oncology is likely to become more widespread. Advancements in digital health, telemedicine, and AI will further enhance the ability of healthcare providers to deliver personalized care to patients, regardless of location. By placing people at the center of cancer treatment, healthcare systems can ensure that each patient’s unique needs are met, leading to better outcomes and a more compassionate healthcare experience.
The future of cancer care is bright, with a focus on not just curing the disease but also caring for the person behind the diagnosis. Through collaboration, innovation, and empathy, we can create a healthcare environment that truly supports the needs of all cancer patients and their families.