Oncology Care Programme

The optimal care of a patient with cancer is based on a combination of medical and technological expertise, together with a human and personalised approach to the patient and their family. At Erasme Hospital, an academic general hospital, this approach is coordinated and integrated within the Multidisciplinary Oncology Care Programme (PSOM).

Through this programme, all the specialties and experts involved in the care of patients with cancer interact and work together in a coordinated manner for the benefit of the patient, who receives both a comprehensive and an “individualised” approach from the various services involved.

From the time of diagnosis, the patient follows a specific care pathway within the hospital, where they are guided, accompanied and supported by oncology care nurse coordinators (ICSO) throughout the various stages of their treatment.

Care for patients and their families

As soon as the diagnosis is announced, a range of professionals are involved in order to provide the patient and their family with all the information relating to the selected treatment and its initiation, whether it is medication-based (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), surgical or radiotherapy-based.

Practical and logistical aspects are taken into account, as is the patient’s environment, both socially and within the family. As part of the comprehensive approach, the patient also receives psychological, dietary and social assessment and support, as well as specific care for symptoms such as pain and for aspects related to their well-being.

The patient’s family and children also receive appropriate support where necessary. Brochures covering these aspects and practical advice are available to patients.