Pathfinders
Overview
Cancer patients must navigate the often challenging, confusing, and lonely path from diagnosis to treatment to resolution. The Pathfinders Program is a comprehensive, psycho-social support program for cancer patients designed to address quality-of-life needs that typically fall outside the realm of standard medical care. By addressing the psychosocial and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer diagnosis, the program fosters healing and personal growth for patients, families and caregivers regardless of medical outcome.
Ongoing research supports the idea that present day standard-of-care for cancer is failing many patients in terms of the psychosocial needs. Pathfinders’ goal is to bridge this gap by working alongside oncologists and nurses in the day-to-day clinical setting to integrate psychosocial support with standard medical treatment.
With a two-pronged emphasis on patient coping and social support, the program empowers patients to become proactive in their overall healthcare. The program is founded on the “whole-person” ideal - to truly heal we must attend, not only to the body, but also to the mind and to the spirit.
Patients are matched with a Pathfinder, a trained professional with an advanced degree in social work, family counseling, or therapy. These Pathfinders serve as advocates for patients within the Duke University Health System, providing unbiased guidance on complementary medicine, self-care, mind-body techniques, end-of-life planning, and spiritual connectivity. With the help of their Pathfinder, patients become knowledgeable about the available resources at Duke and in their home community which are important to their recovery.
Pathfinders are integral members of the patient’s cancer treatment team, joining with the oncologist, nurses, and others to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality medical and nursing care, and that his or her emotional, family, and spiritual needs are met. At the conclusion of their cancer treatment, patients are informed and skilled to cope with future challenges. Their families are prepared to support their loved one’s personal recovery. Both patient and family are ready for survivorship.
To read our newsletter The Pathfinders Journey, click here.
To read Pathfinders' "Seven Pillars of Personal Recovery," click here.
Tina Staley, LCSW, Director
Pathfinders
Duke University Medical Center
Morris Building Rm. 15118A
Box 2606
Durham, NC 27710
Tina.staley@duke.edu
Phone: (919) 681-5464
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