Infanta Leonor University Hospital has held a new edition of its meeting 'Talking About Your Health', aimed at patients with haematological diseases, their families, and caregivers, with the goal of promoting health education and active participation.
Infanta Leonor University Hospital, part of the Madrid public health network, hosted a new edition of its participatory meeting for patients with haematological diseases under the slogan 'Talking About Your Health'. The initiative, organised by the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service and the Patient Experience Unit, aims to promote health education and the well-being of patients, as well as to reinforce their confidence and autonomy in the care process.
The meeting brought together patients, families, and caregivers in a dynamic format of rotating round tables, where they could engage directly with professionals from various specialties involved in their care. Attendees received information, resolved doubts, shared experiences, and presented improvement proposals related to their care.
The session was inaugurated by the hospital's managing director, Dr. Carmen Pantoja Zarza; the director of Continuity of Care, Dr. Mercedes Irazazábal Velasco; the head of the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. José Ángel Hernández Rivas; and the physician from the same service, Dr. Maria Stefania Infante.
Specialists in Haematology, Psychology, Nutrition, Hospital Pharmacy, Social Work, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation, as well as the case manager nurse for haematology patients, addressed key aspects for the comprehensive management of haematological diseases. Topics discussed included treatments, dietary recommendations, physical exercise, emotional coping, stress management, self-care and treatment adherence, and access to available health and social resources.
During the day, a high level of participation and engagement from attendees was noted, who showed a remarkable interest in clinical and self-care recommendations. Patients particularly valued the opportunity to speak directly with various professionals in a relaxed and close environment, as well as the chance to raise concerns related to their illness and treatment.
Among the main conclusions of the meeting was the growing awareness of the importance of physical exercise as part of the recovery and health maintenance process. Attendees received practical guidance and recommendations tailored to their individual circumstances. Additionally, the participation of nutrition professionals was especially well received, allowing frequent doubts to be resolved and false beliefs related to diet during treatment to be debunked.
The small group format fostered a climate of trust that allowed for addressing concerns, fears, and uncertainties associated with the illness process. Moreover, the role of the case manager nurse was particularly valued by patients, who highlighted her role as a key professional throughout the therapeutic journey.
Such initiatives contribute to improving patient satisfaction, promote adherence to treatments, help reduce anxiety associated with the illness, and strengthen the bond between professionals and users, fostering more human and participatory care.
The contributions collected during the day will be analysed by the involved services with the aim of continuing to introduce improvements aimed at responding to the needs of patients and advancing towards a person-centred care model.
Haematological neoplasms are cancers that originate in the cells that form blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and the lymphatic system, primarily in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. They are characterised by the uncontrolled production of defective blood cells that displace healthy cells. The most prevalent are leukaemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Diagnosis by a haematologist is essential, as it allows for the identification of the exact subtype through advanced tests and the design of a specialised treatment that significantly improves the patient's prognosis.
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