They worked out a plan the patient found acceptable. She confers regularly with physicians and researchers to ensure she has the latest information about patients' cases and current research related to their illnesses. Later she meets with patients in exam rooms, waiting rooms, or her own office, depending on where the patient feels most at ease. For individual patients, Marcusen says education about cancer and possible treatments helps patients regain a sense of control of their lives. A part of my job is to support patients by educating them, and ensuring they have access to the latest information about their illness, so they can use that knowledge to help themselves.
Studies suggest that the more patients understand, the more they participate in their care.
They feel empowered and they do better emotionally and psychologically. Education is a big part of what we do at the Norris. Patients and their families also benefit from education about issues that life-threatening illnesses often raise, including requests not to resuscitate patients. We're often called in by physicians to assist patients and family members about such requests and help them understand what some life-prolonging measures can or cannot do. Her job often requires her to hunt to find the appropriate resource for a particular patient.