Supportive Oncology Services
University Hospitals Supportive Oncology Enhances Quality of Life During Cancer Treatment
Supportive Oncology Services at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio, treats the whole person, providing excellent care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families. UH Seidman Cancer Center strives to improve quality of life during all phases of cancer treatment, regardless of prognosis or stage of disease.
Supportive Oncology Services Provides Palliative Care
The specialists within Supportive Oncology Services at UH focus on preventing or easing symptoms caused by cancer with the ultimate goal to relieve suffering in all of its dimensions.
This compassionate care is provided by an expert team that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists and other health professionals – all specially trained in helping patients throughout the course of cancer treatment using the following services:
- Social work
- Pain and symptom management
- Mental health services
- Integrative oncology services
- Cancer rehabilitation services
- Nutrition services
- Spiritual care
- Community outreach
- Pharmacology consultation
- Discharge planning
Compassionate Support for Patients and Families
Unlike hospice care, which works to comfort those nearing the end of life, Supportive Oncology Services are delivered any time at any stage of cancer to give relief from stress, pain and other symptoms.
Patients and family members who have questions about the many benefits of Supportive Oncology Services at UH are encouraged to ask their physicians or nurses about our program.
Supportive Care Clinic Helps with Pain and Symptoms
Supportive Oncology Services at UH Seidman Cancer Center includes a clinic that offers specialized services for pain relief, symptom management and other issues.
The Symptom Management and Supportive Care Clinic at UH is led by a physician board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine and a nurse practitioner with oncology and symptom management expertise. This expert team sees patients for pain, non-pain symptoms (e.g., nausea, constipation, fatigue, anorexia, shortness of breath), anxiety, depression, delirium and patient or family coping.
Referrals
Referrals have to be approved by one of the treating physicians.