Organisation and Patients engagement Women's Health Association

By project TITTAN

Published on 13 September 2022

Italy

Lombardia

About this good practice

Being Salute Donna Onlus an association composed of oncology patients working as volunteers, its mission is to protect cancer patients, develop research projects and implement activities that respond to the real needs of patients undergoing treatment.
Ordinary activities:
Primary prevention activities. Salute Donna ONLUS organizes dissemination events on healthy lifestyles in line with the European Code Against Cancer, mostly in schools and for diverse audiences. Volunteers of the Association play the role of testimonials. Fundraising for research projects. The research projects aim to tackle both social issues (correct lifestyles, nutrition, damage and pollution caused by smoking etc.) and health issues. Scientific conferences. The volunteers of the Association organize conferences aimed at providing information on various oncological diseases. “Health: an asset to defend, a right to promote” is a project that advocates for the rights and the demands of cancer patients before state institutions and policy forums.
Activities during Covid 19 pandemic:
"The health Hour" Facebook Live. Well-known members of the Parliament and researchers were involved to provide information on Covid 19 virus and Anti-Covid 19 vaccine campaign. Question/Answer Forum. Patients and families were able to ask questions to infectivologists, oncologists, haematologists, psychologists, and specialists.
Survey. A data collection about the issues of cancer patients experienced during the restrictions.

Resources needed

N.A.

Evidence of success

The activities implemented by Salute Donna ONLUS, prior to the emergence from COVID 19, enabled the improvement of the conditions of cancer patients being treated in hospitals in terms of care, support, and awareness. All the above-described activities show an example of real and active patient involvement. During the pandemic, the Association acted to support cancer patients in distress, to provide them with continuity of care and clear information about Covid 19.

Potential for learning or transfer

The lessons learned could be identified as follows:
• Active and direct involvement of cancer volunteers/patients in organizing meetings, prevention events and fundraising.
• Lobbying activities at central and regional legislative institutions to promote and legislate regulations for cancer patients.
• Broadcasting and disseminating clear information on Covid and precautions to be taken, specifically addressed to cancer patients during the pandemic and lockdown period.
• Survey on the needs and the issues experienced during restrictions by cancer patients.