Social and economic aspect of treatment of an oncological patient in spa institutions

Abstract

The authors hereby discuss the social aspect of treatment of an oncological patient in a spa institution. The aim of this article is to analyse social changes and needs of an oncological patient, creating a burden to both the patient and their family. The disease is an unbalanced bio-psycho-socio-spiritual phenomenon affecting the quality of life. It is the result of interaction of pathologic and compensation processes that lead to the degeneration and damage of cells, tissues and systems of an organism. The way of coping with the disease is also influenced patients’ attitudes to the disease, their knowledge about the same and, of course, existing prejudices and distorted views that are still present among the public in relation to oncological diseases. A person lives in a certain social environment, has their own family, employment, problems, and interests. Satisfaction of social needs is aimed at moderation of social isolation, effective communication with the patient and provision of social support system. Communication is the exchange of information; it is the basic principle of interpersonal relationships in nursing healthcare. Effective communication is one of the basic and important psychosocial needs and positively influences the quality of relationship between the nurse and the patient. Communication with an oncological patient requires the nurse to have a variety of communication skills that cannot be learned, but are formed through real life situations, constant contact with the patient, knowledge of human psyche, but especially kind and open heart and love of their job. Oncological disease and the treatment thereof significantly influences physical activity, not only at home but also in employment. The patients find themselves in a new social role; can experience changes in their employment, role of a parent and/or a partner. The temporary incapacity to work has longer duration and can end with the return to the previous job position, change to a less exhausting job or a job with shorter working hours, in partial or complete disability and possibly also in death of the patient. The return to work often means the end of loneliness and increased self-awareness for the patient. Spa treatment is expected to provide restoration of organs or systems affected by the oncological disease after the termination of anti-carcinoma treatment, restore the unsatisfactory functioning of organs or systems induced secondarily by the disease or by the treatment thereof.