1 Personal and public perceptions of cancer
Reflection on previous experiences
Reflecting on our personal and professional experiences can be a good way of understanding what we have encountered. Using a ‘model’ to guide reflection provides structure and helps to devise an action plan in order to develop practice in the future. Although there are many reflective models available, we have used Driscoll’s (2007) reflective model as it is a simple, three-part model that can be adapted to a wide range of situations:
First think back to ‘what’ experience you have of knowing a person with cancer.
The final step is to consider ‘now what’
Writing a reflective account is also an excellent way of demonstrating the NMC competencies. We return to Driscoll’s model in Section 3 (see Appendix One) so it is good to start using it early on in your preparations. If you have used and feel confident using another reflective model previously, continue to use it instead.
What your perception of cancer may be
Your placement will involve caring for patients who are living or dying with cancer. It is important to remember that patients with cancer do not always die and dying patients do not always have cancer. Much of what you will learn on this cancer/palliative care placement will be transferable to other care settings, as the majority of individuals with cancer are cared for in non-specialist healthcare environments (Gill & Duffy 2010).
The public image of cancer and palliative care
In an attempt to reduce incidence and mortality rates, cancer has become a prominent focus of health policy. Since the Calman–Hine report (Department of Health (DH) 1995) identified a lack of consistency and the need for specialised cancer services across the country, The NHS Cancer Plan (DH 2000) and The Cancer Reform Strategy (DH 2007, 2008a) have set out specific targets and objectives to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and research of cancer. A major focus has been to reduce the delay in diagnosis by improving waiting times, speeding up the time from diagnosis to treatment, improving access to treatment and reducing the number of UK deaths from cancer. The way that cancer healthcare professionals work has changed too. Now working in ‘cancer site-specific’ multiprofessional teams, decisions regarding treatment and ongoing care are made based on the expert knowledge, experience and collaboration between practitioners, and in partnership with patients. These developments have had a positive effect on survival of patients and their long-term quality of life.