The Cancer Manual ‘So what do I do now?’
Developed in collaboration with the Beacon Centre, Taunton and Somerset NHS and the Heart Manual Department, NHS Lothian the Cancer Manual (CM) is a comprehensive facilitated resource, designed for patients living with or beyond cancer. Adapted from the well evidenced Heart Manual, the Cancer Manual is founded on cognitive behavioural principles to address patient’s misconceptions and equip individuals with effective coping strategies for risk factor modification, through a tailored approach to promote self-management and well-being. It is a flexible resource which can be tailored to the individual’s needs with the support of a clinician employing behaviour change techniques.
Findings from a pilot study indicate that patient’s found the Cancer Manual comprehensive and addressed a wide range of physical, educational and psychosocial needs at varying stages of their illness. The facilitator’s role was highly valued and was seen to complement the resource with more tailored and detailed information where necessary. The educational component of the resource answered many patients’ questions and helped them gain a better understanding of their illness, as well as enabling them to practice relaxation and implement lifestyle changes. Many felt the manual helped them manage their mental health, and feelings such as loneliness, anxiety and stress. Patients found the manual motivational and felt it enabled them to engage in effective goal-setting and many found the CM answered questions they otherwise would have asked a healthcare professional, which may have accounted for the noticeable reduction in contact (Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, 2016).
Made possible by a huge amount of work between clinical colleagues and patients from the Beacon Centre, Taunton and Somerset NHS and the Heart Manual Department, NHS Lothian, it is hoped that this programme will support many cancer patients and their families.
If you are interested in offering the Cancer Manual within your service, please contact the office to discuss training and package options.
You can sample some pages by clicking on the image below:
