18TAB TWO | MY TREATMENT PLAN patient guide

Oncology Nurse: Oncology Nurses have extensive training in cancer care and receive special certification in oncology. They specialize in the care and education of cancer patients, and frequently specialize in infusion, radiation therapy, radiology,

intravenous (IV) therapy, or other areas of cancer treatment.

Physician Assistant: A Physician Assistant has extensive training in a specialized aspect of your care and is certified to conduct procedures and assist your doctors to diagnose and treat illness, perform physical examinations, offer preventive

care, prescribe medication, and educate you about your illness and treatment.

Research Team: If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, additional team members may include a research program nurse, a research nurse coordinator and a doctor who is leading the study. Research Nurses coordinate clinical trials and

provide patient education on the protocols and procedures of the trial.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT Pharmacist: A Pharmacist is a highly trained professional who prepares and dispenses your medications and chemotherapy.

Clinical Social Worker: Social Workers are generally non-nursing professionals who provide a variety of emotional support, insurance counseling and other assistance to help patients and families.

Dietitian: A Dietitian helps you choose foods and plan meals designed to aid your comfort, recovery and health.

Physical, Occupational and Respiratory Therapists: A variety of therapists may be assigned to assist you with physical difficulties that may result from your illness and/or its treatments. Therapists help in the rehabilitation process following

treatments or surgery, help to strengthen gross and fine motor skills, and help patients return to work and other normal

routines following their care.

Chaplain: Chaplains are available to provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and families of all faiths, including individuals without a specific faith or religion.

Patient Navigator: Navigators are trained, non-nursing professionals who are available to help you find community services, short-term housing, local transportation and referrals to community programs. One of their primary goals is to help patients

overcome physical, emotional, social and financial barriers to receiving timely cancer treatment.

OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR CARE TEAM Other Direct Care Staff: A medical assistant checks your vital signs during outpatient visits and helps nurses during certain procedures. A diagnostic technician performs tests and scans that show images of your cancer. A patient care

assistant provides daily care while you are in the hospital. A phlebotomist draws your blood before chemotherapy treatments

and assists nurses in infusion units. A radiation technician delivers radiation treatments. Transport assistants help move

patients between buildings and procedures.

Integrative Therapy Practitioner: Integrative therapies include massage, acupuncture, Reiki, meditation or other mind/ body therapies, which may help to improve your comfort and quality of life, as well as help with symptom management.