Brain tumour awareness in Portugal Andreia Capela Medical Oncologist, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho, Portugal
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entro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia / Espinho, Portugal celebrated International Brain Tumor Awareness Week 2018 with activities that brought patients, families and professionals together. We distributed posters in wards, waiting rooms and hospitals promoting awareness as to what brain tumors are, their symptoms and signals, and some facts relating to their pathology. With this activity we engaged in awareness-raising to professionals from all other medical areas and also patients coming to the hospital during International Brain Tumour Awareness Week. An e-mail was sent to all professionals in our institution as well as the primary care institutions in our area of influence, notifying them about the Awareness Week and the activities to be held. On 25th October 2018 we organized a couple of sessions dedicated to patients and families. The afternoon started with a presentation of the Professional Rehabilitation Center from Gaia and a testimonial of one of our patients who took their physical and neurocognitive rehabilitation program. Following this session, the group was divided into two groups: patients and families. A stretching session for primary brain tumor patients was led by our
rehabilitation nurses. It was an interesting experience where patients got to help one another and some even overcame some of their difficulties and limitations. In parallel we held an information and sharing session for families which was led by our mental health specialist nurse. After discussions about the limitations of these patients and some ideas on how to deal with this, family caregivers were invited to share their experiences and how they
The IBTA’s magazine, Brain Tumour, was available
During International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, all participants at the brain tumour patient and family
for patients and caregivers to take away
sessions at the Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia in Espinho, Portugal joined together to share a brunch
Andreia Capela, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, EPE
have overcome their challenges. The most touching moments were felt when families revealed how they felt useless and how terrifying it was to receive the diagnosis of a brain tumour. They also talked about how they now live their lives focussed on the patient’s needs and how a future of hopes and planned activities had to be adjusted. A social worker, oncology nurses and an oncologist were present to answer any questions. The discussions highlighted that there was a great need for more social and psychological support and this request was made to the professionals. At the end of the afternoon all participants joined together to share a brunch. An invitation to visit and contact the Rehabilitation Center was sent to patients and families. Attendance at the sessions on 25th October was low but the event was full of meaning and value for those who were present. This makes us believe that we accomplished our main purpose: to be there for patients. During next year’s awareness week we and our patients will be on board again. CHVNG/E supports this cause! At CHVNG/E we take care of you. We thank patients and families, CHVNG/E professionals, Centro de Reabilitação Profissional de Gaia, Nutricia and Liga de Amigos do CHVNG/E. n
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