Question

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women. Caring for the cancer patient and family requires a multidimensional approach.
What does it mean to provide a multidimensional approach? What are some examples of how the care team can meet the patient and the family’s needs? Who are the members of the care team and how are they involved in providing multidimensional care?

Answer 1

Answer:

- Cancer is determined by environmental (e.g., lifestyle habits) and genetic (e.g. mutations) factors

- A multidimensional care approach in cancer patients can be accomplished by fulfilling patients' demands and supporting their  different perceptions and unique needs

- Nurses are primarily involved in providing multidimensional care

Explanation:

Cancer is a complex disease that includes genetic, environmental, cultural, lifestyle (e.g., obesity, smoking, etc), and socioeconomic risk factors. In consequence, in cancer patients, health care teams aim to provide treatment (and prevention) by a multidimensional care approach involving nursing and personal care, patient´s needs assessment; and psychosocial support. In diseases where a multidimensional approach is required, all the healthcare workers related to patient care (i.e., physicians, psychologists, medical residents, nurses, etc) must be involved. Nurses are healthcare workers that play a fundamental role in multidimensional diseases because they know very well the patient's needs and generally provide both spiritual (emotional, affective) and physical support, thereby providing the highest level of care.