Richard W. Joseph, MD, oncologist, Mayo Clinic, discusses remaining optimistic with patients.

Joseph says that while patients like when their clinician is optimistic, it is important to be honest. However, it is still important to remain optimistic even when delivering difficult news to the patient.

Nurses and physicians are experienced in helping patients through a deadly disease, sometimes even with positive outcomes, and bringing these stories up to patients helps, Joseph says.

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Dr. Joseph on Being Optimistic with Patients

Richard W. Joseph, MD, oncologist, Mayo Clinic, discusses ways that nurses can help patients with melanoma manage toxicities from treatment.

Joseph says his nurse practitioner created a pamphlet for their melanoma patients. The pamphlet provides an overview of all the possible side effects they might experience while taking immunotherapy and breaks them down into low, medium and severe categories. The pamphlet also explains what should be done if they experience any of these side effects, Joseph says.

However, it is still important that the patient call their doctors or nurses, Joseph says, if they experience any symptoms.

Richard W. Joseph, MD

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Dr. Joseph on Being Optimistic with Patients

Dr. Joseph on Helping Patients Manage Melanoma Toxicities