| Allied Health and Associates |
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Allied Health Professionals are clinical healthcare professionals as distinct from medical doctors and nurses. They form a very important part of cancer treatment, recovery and recuperation. In Victoria we have adopted a Multidisciplinary Team approach to cancer treatment. The Multidisciplinary Team includes Allied Health Professionals as well as doctors and nurses. Many of the Allied Health Care Services are available through your treating hospital. However, if you need to access an Allied Health Professional outside of your treating hospital, you may require a referral, particularly if you wish to claim under Private Health Insurance. Please check when making an enquiry. You will find additional information about funding assistance in the Financial subcategory. Allied Health and Associates is grouped into the following sub-categories:
Community Health Services are non-profit, community based organizations which provide a variety of health and support services to anyone with a need. There are approximately 100 if these across Victoria. There may be charges for these services but these are based on a client's ability to pay. Some Community Health Services operate from a number of different venues around their district. It is best to contact your local Community Health Service and discuss your needs with them. Sometimes cancer patients have existing health conditions such as diabetes. During cancer treatment it is important for patients to be extra vigilant in the management of their diabetes. Diabetes practitioners, clinics and education sessions are available in the community which provide assistance and information to those with diabetes. Lymphoedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. This fluid retention results in swelling and occurs when there is insufficient drainage from a particular part of the body. Some cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy can cause Lymphoedema due to damage or removal of lympathic drainage mechanisms. Lymphoedema most often occurs after treatment for breast cancer. It may also occur after treatment for prostate, colon and testicular cancers where lymph nodes have been removed or damaged. In many cancer patients this condition does not develop until months or even years after treatment has finished. It is therefore advisable that a person who has had treatment which involves the lymph nodes be aware of lymphoedema and pay attention to its prevention. There are a range of exercises and other measures which can be used to minimize the impact of lymphoedema. Your hospital Physiotherapist or Specialist Cancer Nurse will be able to assist with additional information or referral if necessary. In some areas Lymphoedema Management programs and specially trained Lymphoedema clinicians are available to assist in the management of the condition. What a person eats is especially important when they are having treatment for cancer and also in their recovery phase. With a well balanced and varied diet energy increases and there is an improvement in the body's ability to heal and to fight infection. Treatment can also be tolerated with fewer side effects and weight can be better managed. Nutritionists and Dietiticians can be very important participants in your care. They can assist you to:
The Cancer Council Victoria (contact 13 11 20) produces a booklet which can also be downloaded from their website: Nutrition & Exercise: for people with cancer, their family and friends Occupational Therapists (OTs) assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake the activities of everyday life. They assist people to regain or maintain independence in their everyday lives which enhances health and wellbeing. Occupational Therapists provide assistance in the following ways:
You will find information about home and living aids in the Home and Living Aids subcategory. Osteopaths and Chiropractors assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. They aim to assist people to regain as much movement and physical independence as possible. They also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body. When necessary, Osteopaths and Chiropractors will consult with a client's doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. For further information on:
A Physiotherapist can help you overcome some of the physical effects of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They help improve mobility, function and fitness. A Physiotherapist can also advise on levels of activity and progression of activity, and they can address some of the aches and pains you may be experiencing. A Physiotherapist may routinely see you after surgery to prevent complications and facilitate recovery. However, if you feel you also need Physiotherapy during chemotherapy or radiotherapy ask if there is a Physiotherapist available at the treating facility A Social Worker is a wealth of information regarding the supportive care options in your area. If you have particular issues such as financial, personal, family or employment, a Social Worker may be able to assist you with them. There is usually a Social Worker available in your treating hospital. Speech Pathology deals with the rehabilitation of those with speech production, vocal production, swallowing difficulties and language needs. Such treatment may be necessary in the care of those living with certain cancers. Stomal Therapy deals with the rehabilitation of those who are about to, or have already undergone treatment resulting in temporary or permanent faecal or urinary diversion. |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 September 2008 15:42 ) |
