Get Started with the Dandelion Toolkit

Learn how each item in your kit works:

The Conversation Card

  • Usually filled out by a member of the healthcare team as part of the first discussions about a cancer diagnosis.

  • Gives an overview of different parts of the cancer diagnosis, such as location, staging, subtype, treatment options, and quality of life.

  • This information is what the patient uses to fill out the Dandelion Notebook, to learn these topics in more detail and discover what information is not yet discussed or understood.

TIPS FOR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS:

  • Think of the conversation card as a map that you are both using to navigate yoru discussion together.

  • Make sure the paper is in full view of the patient, this may require arranging seating differently to accomplish this.

  • Annotate as you talk to help patients connect the visuals with what you are saying.

  • Ask the patient to point to any visuals on the paper that they would like to get more clarification.

  • Give the conversation card to the patient to take home, together with the Patient Notebook.

  • Ask patients to use the conversation card to fill in information with the Patient Notebook to bring to their next appointment.

Patient Notebook

  • Patients use the notebook to review information covered in the discussion and written on the conversation card.

  • The notebook is 4x6 inches and can easily be taken to future appointments.

  • Space for extra notes in the back.

  • A member of the healthcare team should review the notebook, look for blank spaces, and address patient knowledge gaps to fill in the rest of the information.

  • Rather than asking patients to submit questions, the notebook can guide the discussion to review that all basic information is understood well.

  • Therapy pages organize medication and other information in a tidy format, with space for patients to keep notes on each therapy response.

  • Patients have said sharing the Notebook with family and friends made it easier to explain without having to repeat again and again.

Future Custom Video Tool

  • The Dandelion video tool creates a personalized video animation of each aspect of the diagnosis, using information from the conversation card.

  • Patients can share the video link with family and friends to help share information about their diagnosis.

  • Can include cancer center logo and a custom video from the cancer team.

  • Coming end of 2023, sign up to receive updates on launch.