Health care is ever-evolving, whether you like it or not. And if you’re going to practice smarter in 2024, you’ve got to shift your perspective.
The big shift in question? Transcending the boundaries of care (aka how we’ve always done things) & step into a holistic approach for both your patients & you.
This recap episode dives into insightful conversations with past guests Joe Sanok, Dr. Lori Boright, & Dr. Rebeca Segraves, each providing a unique lens on smarter practices in oncology patient care.
From the urgency for healthier work hours to the transformative impact of integrating rehabilitation into palliative care, and the nuanced challenges of treating pregnant individuals undergoing cancer treatment, these discussions shed light on the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Join us on this journey as we explore how embracing a holistic mindset and breaking down silos can pave the way for smarter, more effective practices in cancer rehab throughout 2024 and beyond.
The Urgent Need for Healthier Workers (& Work) in Health Care
First up, if you’re going to be a better PT in 2024, you have to start by taking care of YOU. And let’s face it: how rehab usually does things is NOT conducive with a healthy lifestyle.
In our fast-paced world of health care, the debate over work hours for medical professionals has been a longstanding issue. But this isn’t just a quality sleep issue.
In my interview with Joe Sanok (Ep. 273 – The Roadmap to Efficiency: Managing Time Effectively in OncoPT), we touched upon the impact of long hours on job performance, liability concerns, and the overall well-being of healthcare practitioners.
Joe expressed concerns about the potential consequences of healthcare professionals working excessively long hours, suggesting that those working 30 to 35 hours a week might statistically perform better than those working 80 hours a week. The analogy was drawn to Joe’s own personal experience in a renowned cancer institute where a medication error almost occurred due to oversight – a vivid example of the risks associated with human fatigue in healthcare.
Automation in Healthcare vs. Other Industries
Drawing a stark contrast to other industries like business and marketing, our conversation highlighted the efficiency and automation present in logistical processes. Joe marveled at the flawless delivery of a simple product like almonds through automated systems, emphasizing the lack of similar logistical advancements in healthcare.
The Systemic Problem in Healthcare
Our interview dove deeper into the systemic issues within healthcare, expressing frustration at the difficulty of implementing healthy work habits, such as a four-day work week. Joe contends that health care, of all industries, should be at the forefront of promoting healthy practices, yet the very people responsible for teaching health often find themselves burned out and stressed.
The Human Element in Healthcare
In this interview, I shared a personal experience where I treated the wrong side of a patient – while this may seem like a silly mistake, this just proves Joe’s point further. Errors, regardless of the profession, can accumulate over time, potentially leading to negative patient experiences.
The acknowledgment of the human element in healthcare was evident, with the understanding that some aspects should remain distinctly human while others could benefit from automation and improved logistics.
The Call for Change
Our discussion concluded with a shared sentiment that change is necessary in the healthcare system. Joe calls for you to seriously re-evaluate your work hours & the incorporation of automation to reduce errors, plus calls for a broader systemic change to foster a healthier work environment.
As our industry grapples with the challenges posed by long work hours, the call for systemic change and the integration of modern logistics and automation becomes increasingly urgent. The focus on fostering a healthier work environment is not just about you but is intrinsically tied to the quality of patient care.
Bridging the Gap: The Crucial Role of Rehab in Oncology & Palliative Care
Back in Ep. 266 (Pioneering Prehab in Palliative Care with Dr. Lori Boright), we broke down exactly why rehab belongs in cancer care at every stage, plus some of the barriers to implementing this on a bigger scale today.
But on a deeper level, we talked about how pivoting into this mindset requires YOU to step into owning your patient care.
Historically, rehab is reactive, waiting for a patient to be referred to us with established impairments. But your patients DO NOT have the time to wait for their impairments to be caught & hopefully referred to rehab. Your patients need their health care team watching & surveilling for developing impairments before they even start to affect function, mobility, independence, & quality of life.
Advocacy and Personal Experience
Lori’s personal journey into oncology rehab adds a layer of passion to the discussion. Motivated by the lack of rehabilitation services for her parents during their cancer journeys, she became a fervent advocate for change. Her personal experience serves as a catalyst for pushing boundaries and striving for a healthcare system where rehab is an integral part of cancer care from the outset.
The Challenge of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Cancer Rehab
The conversation touches upon the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the need for physical therapists to insert themselves into the conversation. Lori passionately underscores that while physicians focus on life-saving measures, rehabilitation practitioners are crucial in enhancing lives. The call is for physical therapists to follow patients through their trajectories, ensuring comprehensive care and advocating for the services they provide.
A System in Need of Change
The dependency on chance encounters or specific triggers for rehab referrals is highlighted as a significant barrier to timely intervention. Both Elise & Lori emphasize the need for normalizing these conversations within and outside the healthcare community to bring about positive change.
The discussion underscores the need for a paradigm shift where rehab services become an inherent part of cancer care, ensuring timely intervention, improved quality of life, and a more comprehensive approach to oncology and palliative care.
As the healthcare community grapples with the challenges of integrating rehabilitation into oncology and palliative care, this interview serves as a rallying cry for systemic change. Your focus should be on breaking down barriers, advocating for timely intervention, and creating a healthcare landscape where every patient’s journey with cancer includes the transformative impact of rehabilitation services.
The Paradox of Specialization in Holistic Oncology Care
If you’ve already listened to Ep. 271 – Pregnancy & Post-Partum in Cancer Rehab: How to Start Treating These Patients with Dr. Rebeca Segraves, then you already know what you’re in for.
If you haven’t, buckle up buttercup. In this practice-changing conversation, we touched on the paradox of specialization with oncology physical therapy & how it seems at odds with holistic oncology care.
Well au contraire, my friend, because this thought-provoking dialogue completely challenges the compartmentalization of specialties and emphasizes the importance of recognizing patients as whole individuals.
The Evolution of Specialization
Contrary to my initial expectation of becoming an oncology specialist, I repeatedly find myself becoming more & more of a generalist in various aspects of physical therapy. Rebeca & I talked about how this revelation prompts a broader exploration of the symbiotic relationship between specialization and a comprehensive understanding of patients.
Generalists in Specialization
As an assistant professor in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Dr. Segraves imparts these valuable insights to students, emphasizing the concept of graduating as general generalists. She highlights that while specialization narrows focus, it should not exclude the broader knowledge acquired during generalist training. Using orthopedic specialization as an example, she illustrates how a specialist must consider the interconnectedness of various systems within a patient, transcending the narrow confines of your specialty.
Human-Centric Approach
Regardless of your specialization, you’re still treating a human at the core of everything you do. Rebeca stresses that, fundamentally, therapists are treating human beings who experience a multitude of factors simultaneously. The conversation takes a poignant turn as she shares experiences with post-reconstruction patients and the simple, yet profound realization that each patient, irrespective of their specific condition, has a pelvic floor – a testament to the interconnected nature of the human body.
Y’all, not only did Rebeca call me out on my hesitation to treat pregnant patients, but also discussed we are removing ourselves from these team opportunities before they even start. As in, you want a seat at the table, but you’re uninviting yourself from the room first. Talk about mind-blowing.
Dr. Segraves encourages therapists to form teams and embrace a holistic approach, acknowledging that no single practitioner can address all aspects of patient care. The emphasis is on walking into the room, engaging in the conversation, and recognizing the patient’s need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team.
Safety in Treating Pregnant Cancer Patients
Dr. Segraves challenges therapists to ask critical questions about the nature of treatment, encouraging a nuanced approach that considers the unique needs of each patient. This interview underscores the importance of avoiding preconceived notions and fostering open, collaborative discussions to ensure the well-being of this specific patient population.
In a healthcare landscape that increasingly leans towards specialization, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the intrinsic value of holistic care. You’ll be challenged to transcend narrow specialty mindsets, recognize patients as holistic entities, and actively participate in collaborative discussions that prioritize the comprehensive well-being of those undergoing cancer treatment.
So plug in those earbuds, & let’s go!