International cancer conference
Eli Ristevski attended the recent Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)/International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer Conference.
It was held in Berlin, Germany and Eli presented a poster entitled: ‘Health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and skills in supportive care screening and referral: outcomes of an education program.’
The poster presentation has provided a basis for two key publications to come out of the study, one by the end of the year and the other planned for mid-2014. Eli said the conference reinforced to her that Australian research into cancer supportive care is world class.
The emphasis was on how different health care systems and policies can impact on patient care. For example, issues of travel, availability of services and even having the drugs to treat people.
Differences in cultural meanings associated with cancer are an issue, where families can request that a patient is not told they have cancer.
Eli felt this was a challenge to her personal and professional beliefs about patient care, patient involvement in decision making, information seeking and provision, confidentiality and the role of the family in the care trajectory. Patient care issues around the world demonstrate how different health systems can achieve different health outcomes for people.
A reminder that the Academic Conference Attendance and Funding Guidelines and Application Form can be accessed on the Staff Intranet.