3/2007Principles of communication of the family doctor’s team with an oncological patient and his family

DONATA KURPAS (Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu,Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Steciwko; Państwowa Medyczna Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa w Opolu,Rektor: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Steciwko)

Summary
A comprehensive medical, psychological, rehabilitation conduct, a social and spiritual support belong to competence of a family doctor and his team for dying from chronic illnesses considerably limiting existence and cancers in the stage of the considerable advancement and the terminal period. This competence concerns also active supporting the family of the patient during the period of illness of their relative and after his death. Effective care for the patient and his family should be based on the cooperation of health service professionals of many disciplines. In conditions of the home care the highest effectiveness in offering relief in the terminal phase of cancer was demonstrated in the team consisting of a family doctor and a district nurse, supported by the nurse specialized in the palliative care. The way of communication way is important in that case, apart from very content concerning the substance facts. Communicating is establishing the active participation of the patient, at least for getting the feedback from him. And the way of directing the patient which will enable him to express his opinion is necessary. Hearing the patient out and doctor’s patience are the essential tool for establishing the relation with the oncological patients and their family.

Key words: communication, family doctor, oncological patient