Unleash the Power of Knowledge at the Global Knowledge Exchange Webinar! The ISNCC co-hosted this Global Knowledge Exchange webinar with the International Thoracic Oncology Nursing Forum (ITONF): A Global Nursing Focus to the Care of the Person with Mesothelioma on 25 September 2024 brought together experts from around the world to discuss mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The webinar aimed to give participants the latest knowledge and insights. Eighty-five nurses from around the world attended the meeting.
Opening Remarks
The event began with a warm welcome from Caitlin Broderick, ITONF Co-Chair, who set the tone for an informative and engaging session. Ms. Broderick acknowledged the importance of the topic and emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by those affected by mesothelioma.
Understanding a Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Kirsten Mooney (Australia) presented an erudite discourse on the diagnosis of mesothelioma. She provided an overview of the disease, its symptoms, and the diagnostic process, emphasising the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.
Treatment Dilemmas
Suzanne Walker (USA) proceeded to elucidate the intricacies of managing mesothelioma. The lecture, entitled "Treatment Dilemmas in Mesothelioma", addressed the array of available treatment modalities, encompassing surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic approaches, in addition to other cutting-edge therapeutic modalities emerging from the most recent clinical trials and guideline updates.
Family and Care Burden
The webinar proceeded to examine the emotional and practical burdens borne by families and caregivers of mesothelioma patients. Sarah A. Hargreaves (United Kingdom) investigated the impact of mesothelioma on families and elucidated a number of coping strategies for providing support.
Sarah Yasuko Nagamatsu (Japan) offered insights on this aspect of the disease. It was emphasised that it is crucial to provide these caregivers with both emotional support and practical assistance, as well as to recognise and address the specific challenges they encounter.
Managing Expectations and Understanding Pathways for Compensation
Leah Taylor (United Kingdom), presented a discourse on the subject of compensation for victims of mesothelioma. She provided an overview of the various avenues for pursuing compensation, including legal and government-sponsored programs. Furthermore, she addressed some of the barriers to compensation, including those posed by institutions, patients, and healthcare professionals. Ms. Taylor furnished the participants with a more comprehensive grasp of the available options and the practicalities of the compensation process.
Session Close
The webinar concluded with closing remarks from Dorothy Chan (ISNCC Board Member, Knowledge Development & Dissemination Committee), who thanked the presenters, sponsor, participants, and organizers for their contributions to the event. Dorothy Chan saidthat each speaker’s sharing was invaluable and the webinar had been useful in understanding and improving care for people with mesothelioma.
The recorded webinar is now available!
