DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Ellen Rudy, an epidemiologist and the head of population health at Wealthy, discusses the evolving landscape of cancer care and the importance of supporting caregivers. She outlines four key recommendations for individuals and families facing a new cancer diagnosis: leaning on a strong care circle, understanding the diagnosis and treatment options, continuing to live and pursue activities that bring joy, and practicing techniques like meditation to stay present.
Rudy highlights the increasing responsibilities placed on caregivers as more cancer treatments shift to outpatient and home settings. She emphasizes the need for healthcare organizations to recognize and address the stress and burnout experienced by caregivers, which can lead to negative consequences such as depression, strained relationships, compromised patient care, increased healthcare costs, and lost productivity at work.
Looking ahead, Rudy suggests that healthcare organizations should implement caregiver support services, create a culture where it's acceptable to be a caregiver, and offer flexible work arrangements for employee caregivers. She also touches on the importance of supporting families through end-of-life care and the grieving process for terminal cancer diagnoses.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Build a strong support network or 'care circle' when facing a new cancer diagnosis.
- Thoroughly research and understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.
- Continue pursuing activities and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment despite the cancer diagnosis.
- Learn coping techniques like meditation to manage the emotional and psychological challenges.
- Recognize the increasing responsibilities and burdens placed on caregivers as more cancer treatments shift to outpatient and home settings.
- Address caregiver stress and burnout through support services, fostering a supportive culture, and offering flexible work arrangements.
- Provide support for families through end-of-life care and the grieving process for terminal cancer diagnoses.
- Encourage open communication and planning around end-of-life care and the dying process.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Two, I would say really understand your diagnosis, really research it and understand what are the cancer centers out there and the providers and what are the treatments out there? What is the side effects?“ by Ellen Rudy
- “And somebody came by and taught her meditation, and she said, that is what got her through that experience. And afterwards, I remember talking to her and she said, why isn't it that every person who gets diagnosed with cancer learns these techniques to cope with? Because it really helps you just get through and just focus on what's immediately in front of you.“ by Ellen Rudy
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Episode Information
Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Becker's Healthcare
4/9/24
In this episode we are joined by Ellen Rudy, head of population health at Wellthy, about the evolving landscape of cancer caregiving and the importance of supporting caregivers' well-being. They explore how healthcare organizations can better address the needs of families facing terminal diagnoses and offer insights for navigating a new cancer diagnosis.
This episode is sponsored by Wellthy.