July 2004

Allied health professionals gain insight into cancer

More than 100 allied health professionals from all over Victoria attended a one-day Austin Health conference.

Austin Health Cancer Services organised the seminar to improve allied health staff’s cancer knowledge.

Austin Health Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Ian Davis said it was important to bring in members of the broader allied health team when treating patients, as no job was done in isolation.

‘Treating patients with cancer requires a multi-disciplinary approach,’ said Associate Professor Davis.

‘You treat a whole person, not just the disease.

‘It is not enough to prescribe drugs or surgery.

‘Patients may need rails installed at home to help them get around, diet advice and spiritual guidance to maximise quality of life—everyone’s need is different.’

The conference covered topics such as the nature of cancer, how it spreads, risk factors, diagnostic procedures and treatment options.

Cancer Services Manager Rhyl Gould said there was an integrated and coordinated allied health group at Austin Health that had regular internal education sessions.

‘There were plenty of educational opportunities for medical and nursing staff on cancer but very little for allied health staff,’ said Ms Gould.

‘We offered the conference to allied health professionals working here and elsewhere because Austin Health is one of the largest providers of cancer services in Victoria.’

Ms Gould said she was delighted dietitians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, physiotherapists, care coordinators and allied health assistants took part in the conference.

‘We even had a chaplain, a myotherapist and an intensive care technician,’ she said.