Virtual Support Programs for Patients Amid COVID-19

OSUCCC – James experts are here to help patients and caregivers as they continue their cancer journeys amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today’s topic: virtual support programs

JamesCare for Life (JCFL) has adjusted on the fly to help patients with cancer navigate, cope and thrive as physical distancing has become the new normal.

“It’s been so great to see our team brainstorm and problem-solve and put so many different virtual and online opportunities in place for our patients,” says Annie Trance, MSW, LISW-S, the associate director of JCFL. “Staying connected and social support are always important for people with cancer — and even more important now.

Psychosocial counseling

JCFL has a team of clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers who counsel patients and their caregivers.

“People are resilient and can adapt to change, but our patients often feel some added stress and anxiety,” Trance says.

James patients interested in telephone or teleconference counseling sessions need referrals from their health care providers. “Then, someone from our team will reach out to that patient and schedule a session,” Trance says. “Caregivers do not need a referral and can call us directly at 614-366-8700.”

Art and music therapy individual sessions are also available.

JCFL Events

“Our goal is to provide supportive and educational programs, experiences and interventions for patients, caregivers and family members,” Trance says. “We’ve been able, very quickly, to adapt many of our programs to a virtual format.”

A few examples of upcoming JCFL programs include:

• Virtual discussion on coping with social isolation for young adult cancer patients
• Grief workshop for adults dealing with the loss of parents
• Ask the Expert session on medication safety
• Live stream on growing family gardens
• Exercise session on how to make the most of indoor workouts
• Educational session on how a plant-based diet helps the immune system
• Music workshop on stress management

Giving H.O.P.E.

The Helping Others Through Peer Experience (H.O.P.E.) Program matches patients and caregivers with people who have gone through similar experiences. “This doesn’t have to be in person, and many of our matched H.O.P.E. pairs have already talked by phone or email or video conferencing,” Trance says. “This is a great opportunity for people who want to connect with someone who went through what they’re going through.”

Moving Forward

The lessons learned now will help Trance and her JCFL team reach an even wider audience in the months and years to come.

“This has really accelerated our understanding of what we need to do for our patients in terms of virtual options,” she says. “Our patients are not always local, and some may not be feeling up to an in-person event or may have transportation barriers, so doing things virtually will help expand our reach and meet the needs of our patients.”

All JCFL programs are free but do require advance registration. Click for more information, and to register (scroll down to the bottom for a list of upcoming classes).