Colorectal Cancer Case Study

Running Head: COLORECTAL CANCER CASE STUDY
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Colorectal Cancer Case Study

COLORECTAL CANCER CASE STUDY 2
Colorectal cancer case study
Introduction
Colorectal cancer is among the most common diagnosed cancers. In the United States, it
ranks third in cancer diagnosis among men and women. However, due to factors such as reduced
risk factors, improved screening tests and treatment options, the mortality rates from colorectal
cancers have been continuously declining. For instance, Colorectal cancer incidence in men and
women aged fifty years and above decreased by 32% from 2000 to 2013 (Siegel et al, 2017).
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a high BMI, increased sugar intake, increased alcohol
consumption, Consumption of red meat, cigarette smoking, reduced fruit and vegetable
consumption and inactivity (Johnson et al, 2013). Colorectal cancer is also more prevalent in
men and older adults. This paper discusses the case study of John, a colorectal cancer patient, an
effective discharge plan for him and collaborative approaches by health care professionals to
ensure care continuity and prevent and treat recurrence.
Discharge planning
Effective discharge planning is vital for the continuity of care especially in patients that
need long term care. The IDEAL discharge planning tool is designed to ensure patient inclusion
in their plan of care while ensuring continuity and follow up (AHRQ, n.a). The IDEAL discharge
plan is comprised of Inclusion of patient and family, Discussion of the key areas of care,
Education of the disease condition, Assessment of the patient and family’s understanding and
Listening to patient’s preferences, goals, and concerns.
Inclusion of the family in the plan of care is especially important as they are usually the
caregivers. For instance, In John’s case, his wife is his primary caregiver. She should, therefore,

COLORECTAL CANCER CASE STUDY 3
play a significant role in treatment plans for John and ensuring he adheres to medications and
scheduled follow up visits. As stated by (Laryionava et al, 2018) it is important to involve the
family early in treatment, and assessing their wishes and needs is vital in creating a specific-
tailored discharge plan for the cancer patient.
Discussion of key areas of care that would ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to
the home environment. These include reviewing the medication provided, the test results,
explaining the signs and symptoms of recurrence and the importance of adhering to follow up
appointments. In John’s case, he is required to take with him adjuvant therapy to aid in recovery
and reduce chances of recurrence by destroying any residual metastases. Side effects for these
medications may include Nausea and vomiting, Mucositis, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and
diarrhea, which John may experience (Macrae and Bendell, 2018 ). There may also be signs and
symptoms of nerve damage such as numbness and tingling, and myelosuppression and
leukopenia may be evident in laboratory results (Kim et al, 2018). It is important for John and his
wife to be able to recognize these symptoms of toxicity. If the side effects adversely affect his
ability to self-care or to continue with treatment, reporting to the physician for management is
advisable.
Patient education is among the most vital processes during discharge planning. It includes
an explanation of the disease condition, the importance of adherence to medication to prevent
recurrence and self-care strategies. A study by (Paterick et al, 2017) found that patient education
improves health literacy which in turn leads to better patient outcomes. In addition, patient
education also involves an assessment of the patient understanding of the provided instructions.
Communication behaviors such as engaging the patient in questions, avoiding medical