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Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients Appendix B: The Wellness Community Oncologist-Patient Statement The effective treatment of serious illness requires a considerable effort by both the patient and the physician. A clear understanding by both of us as to what each of us can realistically and reasonably expect of the other will do much to enhance the outlook. I am giving this "statement" to you as one step in making our relationship as effective and productive as possible. It might be helpful if you would read this statement and, if you think it appropriate, discuss it with me. As your physician I will make every effort to: 1. Provide you with the care most likely to be beneficial to you. 2. Inform and educate you about your situation, and the various treatment alternatives. How detailed an explanation is given will be dependent upon your specific desires. 3. Encourage you to ask questions about your illness and its treatment and to answer your questions as clearly as possible. I will also attempt to answer the questions asked by your family; however, my primary responsibility is to you, and I will discuss your medical situation only with those people authorized by you. 4. Remain aware that all major decisions about the course of your care shall be made by you. However, I will accept the responsibility for making certain decisions if you want me to. 5. Assist you to obtain other professional opinions if you desire, or if you believe it to be in your best interests. 6. Relate to you as one competent adult to another, always attempting to consider your emotional, social, and psychological needs as well as your physical needs. 7. Spend a reasonable amount of time with you on each return visit unless required by something urgent to do otherwise, and give you my undivided attention during that time. 8. Honor all appointment times unless required by something urgent to do otherwise. 9. Return phone calls as promptly as possible, especially those you indicate as urgent. 10. Make available test results promptly if you desire such reports. 11. Provide you with any information you request concerning my professional training, experience, philosophy and fees. 12. Respect your desire to try treatment that might not be conventionally accepted. However, I will give you my honest opinion about such unconventional treatments. 13. Maintain my active support and attention throughout the course of the illness.
I hope that you as the patient will make every effort to: 1. Comply with our agreed-upon treatment plan. 2. Be as candid as possible with me about what you need and expect from me. 3. Inform me if you desire another professional opinion. 4. Inform me of all forms of therapy you are involved with. 5. Honor all appointment times unless required by something urgent to do otherwise. 6. Be as considerate as possible of my need to adhere to a schedule to see other patients. 7. Attempt to make all phone calls to me during the working hours. Call on nights and weekends only when absolutely necessary. 8. Attempt to coordinate the requests of your family and confidants, so that I do not have to answer the same questions about you to several different people. The Wellness Community Oncologist-Patient Statement. (Courtesy of Harold Benjamin, Ph.D., The Wellness Community, Santa Monica, CA)
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