Organised by the CMAI Doctors Section and moderated by Dr Abhijeet Sangma, the webinar featuring Dr Bertha Rathinam focused on paradigm shifts in cancer care. The discussion moved beyond traditional diagnosis and treatment to emphasise a holistic approach encompassing prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and perihabilitation. Over 80 participants joined the webinar, with approximately 70% remaining until the end. The audience primarily consisted of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, healthcare administrators, and chaplains, representing 61 institutions across 15 states. Dr Bertha emphasised that a cancer survivor is anyone diagnosed with cancer, from the point of diagnosis until the end of life, including family members and caregivers. She highlighted the importance of addressing unmet needs through physical, nutritional, and psychological support. Prehabilitation, built upon these three pillars, was presented as a means to improve functional capacity before, during, and after treatment. The discussion covered validated assessment tools, interventions at universal, targeted, and specialist levels, and the importance of monitoring patient progress. Dr Bertha stressed the need to "PREPARE" patients, using the acronym for Physical activity, Respiratory exercises, Eat well, Psychological well-being, Ask about medications, Remove bad habits, and Enhance recovery.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/0vkY_ZJeKgM
Key discussion points included:
· Leveraging technology (smartwatches, apps) for personalised interventions.
· Addressing cultural and socioeconomic diversity in patient assessments.
· Integrating different intervention levels into a comprehensive care pathway.
· Training healthcare providers and community volunteers for holistic support.
· The role of support groups and faith-based organisations.
· The importance of physiotherapy and other multidisciplinary team members.
Dr Bertha also shared her personal experience as a cancer survivor, highlighting the existing gap in holistic care and her motivation to pursue specialised training. She announced a forthcoming certificate course on cancer survivorship at AIIMS Bhopal. Participants discussed the need for affordable care, the potential for churches and NGOs to provide support, and the importance of volunteer training. The webinar concluded with a call to implement holistic strategies and empower cancer survivors.
