The Psychological Care Programme at AFOL is directed by the psychologist
René A. Zamorano Donoso.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Cancer is obviously a very stressful experience. When the patient is confronted with this diagnosis, so loaded with negative meanings, his/her psychological stability suffers an important shock. Expectations and fantasies associated with death, pain, the cancellation of the life project, the fear of abandonment of loved ones, etc. suddenly arise. All this can affect not only the quality of life but also, in some cases, the survival of the patient. This is why psychological support for cancer patients and their families is so important.
WHO IS IT AIMED AT? The Psychological Assistance Programme is aimed at cancer patients and their families on the island.
WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE? The psychological visits and interventions are adjusted to the characteristics and demands of each patient, and will therefore be carried out in different contexts:
- HOSPITAL DE DÍA DEL HOSPITAL DR. JOSÉ MOLINA OROSA
- PLANTA DE ONCOHEMATOLOGÍA
- HOSPITAL INSULAR DE LANZAROTE
- SEDE DE AFOL /AFOL office
- DOMICILIO / At home
OBJECTIVES OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
– To mitigate the initial emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
– To accompany patients and their families throughout the process.
– To monitor each case, on an individual basis, throughout the different phases of treatment and after treatment.
– To develop the learning of coping strategies that improve the quality of life of onco-haematological patients and their families.
– Establish specific psycho-educational intervention programmes for the support of cancer patients and their families, taking into account the characteristics of the disease.
– Special preparation for tests and/or possible interventions for both the patient and the family.
– Promoting a healthy lifestyle that facilitates beneficial activities for patients and their families.
– To repair the psychological damage derived from the oncological disease.
– To provide strategies, instruments and knowledge that allow the development of the service users’ own abilities, whether they are patients, relatives or health professionals.
– To make possible meetings with other health professionals that help to minimise the psychological costs derived from patient care (Burnout Syndrome).
– To provide a space for the development of different workshops with patients to generate support and help groups.
– Establish channels of communication with other health professionals to facilitate networking and optimise the responses needed by our patients and their families.
– To organise, together with other AFOL professionals, Information Campaigns, Prevention, Talks, Workshops, Recreational Activities, etc.
