How to help caregivers?
First of all, you have to take into account that the caregiver is already weakened by this shock. It is important to take it easy.
Thus, a sentence or an attitude of contempt from a doctor can have catastrophic consequences on already weakened caregivers.
Of course, the caregiver must be able to carry out his or her mission serenely. They must not be disturbed by aggressive and intrusive caregivers. It also happens that some caregivers contest his or her treatment choices, often to the point that it may even harm the patient. This is not acceptable.
However, the caregiver, no matter how reputable, must understand that the relationship is tripartite. And therefore, it is by working as a team that there is the best chance of curing the patient.
The caregiver is often torn between different medical approaches.
In the case of cancer, the patient and his or her caregiver will meet with several doctors. These doctors do not necessarily all work as a team.
As a result, the caregiver is often forced to become the intermediary with the medical profession, which may propose contradictory therapies.
In this case, the caregiver feels guilty for having followed the advice of one doctor, if another tells him or her that he or she has done exactly the opposite of what should be done. Imagine the guilt!
On the other hand, studies show that the risks of burn-out are exponential for the caregiver, who can even contract serious diseases.
Finally, the caregiver is not trained in psychology. No matter how good they are in their field of expertise, if they lack empathy and diplomacy, their attitude will have a negative effect on the recovery.
In 2018, a Charter of good conduct in the doctor/patient relationship was put in place, but does not mention the caregiver.
In conclusion, I propose that a Physician/Caregiver Charter be drafted and implemented as soon as possible. Of course, it must be dissociated from the 2018 one, because the needs of the caregiver are different from those of the patient.
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