A Time to Heal for Veterans With Cancer

Article Type
Changed
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 13:46

Background

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be devastating! After treatment, a person often feels tired, weak, and worried while trying to put their life back together. This transition period is known to be difficult (www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/new-normal). A Time to Heal for Veterans and their Caregivers (“wellness rehabilitation”) was created to provide support, information, and skills to help with this transition.

Methods

This 9-week program is based on a successful, well documented, evidence-based book and protocol developed in 2005, that has been updated and adapted for specific populations. The VA program has a customized participant book and is facilitated by a VA social worker and a VA oncology nurse. It includes weekly protocols of research-based educational presentations on the following topics: Building Resilience, Physical Side Effects, Calming Worries and Fears, Nutrition and Exercise for Cancer Survivors, Relationships After Cancer, Nurturing Inner Strength, Planning for the Future, and Happiness Going Forward. It also includes facilitated discussions to share experiences, demonstration/ practices of simple strategies for relaxation or health, and journaling/affirmation writing. The program is held in person at the VA for locals and via Zoom for non-local participants (hybrid format).

Results

A Time to Heal program for Veterans has been offered since 2016. In 2020 it was shortened from 12 weeks to 9 weeks. Since then, 24 veterans and 8 caregivers have completed the program and 13 have completed the evaluation/survey. On a scale of 1 (below expectations) to 5 (exceeded expectations), the program and book have consistently received rating averages of 4.5/5.0. Testimonials include: “Awesome program!” “Was hesitant at first, but so glad I decided to participate. I was able to open up my feelings and express them. I am grateful for the VA to have these resources.”

Conclusions

Recruitment for the program has relied on fliers and education from oncology staff. The feedback received from veterans with cancer, caregivers, and providers indicates a positive impact of this program. More study is needed to evaluate specific aspects of the program, guide participant recruitment, and determine best delivery methods for participants.

Issue
Federal Practitioner - 41(9)s
Publications
Topics
Sections

Background

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be devastating! After treatment, a person often feels tired, weak, and worried while trying to put their life back together. This transition period is known to be difficult (www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/new-normal). A Time to Heal for Veterans and their Caregivers (“wellness rehabilitation”) was created to provide support, information, and skills to help with this transition.

Methods

This 9-week program is based on a successful, well documented, evidence-based book and protocol developed in 2005, that has been updated and adapted for specific populations. The VA program has a customized participant book and is facilitated by a VA social worker and a VA oncology nurse. It includes weekly protocols of research-based educational presentations on the following topics: Building Resilience, Physical Side Effects, Calming Worries and Fears, Nutrition and Exercise for Cancer Survivors, Relationships After Cancer, Nurturing Inner Strength, Planning for the Future, and Happiness Going Forward. It also includes facilitated discussions to share experiences, demonstration/ practices of simple strategies for relaxation or health, and journaling/affirmation writing. The program is held in person at the VA for locals and via Zoom for non-local participants (hybrid format).

Results

A Time to Heal program for Veterans has been offered since 2016. In 2020 it was shortened from 12 weeks to 9 weeks. Since then, 24 veterans and 8 caregivers have completed the program and 13 have completed the evaluation/survey. On a scale of 1 (below expectations) to 5 (exceeded expectations), the program and book have consistently received rating averages of 4.5/5.0. Testimonials include: “Awesome program!” “Was hesitant at first, but so glad I decided to participate. I was able to open up my feelings and express them. I am grateful for the VA to have these resources.”

Conclusions

Recruitment for the program has relied on fliers and education from oncology staff. The feedback received from veterans with cancer, caregivers, and providers indicates a positive impact of this program. More study is needed to evaluate specific aspects of the program, guide participant recruitment, and determine best delivery methods for participants.

Background

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be devastating! After treatment, a person often feels tired, weak, and worried while trying to put their life back together. This transition period is known to be difficult (www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/new-normal). A Time to Heal for Veterans and their Caregivers (“wellness rehabilitation”) was created to provide support, information, and skills to help with this transition.

Methods

This 9-week program is based on a successful, well documented, evidence-based book and protocol developed in 2005, that has been updated and adapted for specific populations. The VA program has a customized participant book and is facilitated by a VA social worker and a VA oncology nurse. It includes weekly protocols of research-based educational presentations on the following topics: Building Resilience, Physical Side Effects, Calming Worries and Fears, Nutrition and Exercise for Cancer Survivors, Relationships After Cancer, Nurturing Inner Strength, Planning for the Future, and Happiness Going Forward. It also includes facilitated discussions to share experiences, demonstration/ practices of simple strategies for relaxation or health, and journaling/affirmation writing. The program is held in person at the VA for locals and via Zoom for non-local participants (hybrid format).

Results

A Time to Heal program for Veterans has been offered since 2016. In 2020 it was shortened from 12 weeks to 9 weeks. Since then, 24 veterans and 8 caregivers have completed the program and 13 have completed the evaluation/survey. On a scale of 1 (below expectations) to 5 (exceeded expectations), the program and book have consistently received rating averages of 4.5/5.0. Testimonials include: “Awesome program!” “Was hesitant at first, but so glad I decided to participate. I was able to open up my feelings and express them. I am grateful for the VA to have these resources.”

Conclusions

Recruitment for the program has relied on fliers and education from oncology staff. The feedback received from veterans with cancer, caregivers, and providers indicates a positive impact of this program. More study is needed to evaluate specific aspects of the program, guide participant recruitment, and determine best delivery methods for participants.

Issue
Federal Practitioner - 41(9)s
Issue
Federal Practitioner - 41(9)s
Publications
Publications
Topics
Article Type
Sections
Disallow All Ads
Content Gating
No Gating (article Unlocked/Free)
Alternative CME
Disqus Comments
Default
Eyebrow Default
PROGRAM INITIATIVES
Gate On Date
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:30
Un-Gate On Date
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:30
Use ProPublica
CFC Schedule Remove Status
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:30
Hide sidebar & use full width
render the right sidebar.
Conference Recap Checkbox
Not Conference Recap
Clinical Edge
Display the Slideshow in this Article
Medscape Article
Display survey writer
Reuters content
Disable Inline Native ads
WebMD Article