Comprehensive Care
In the 1970s, recognizing that hemophilia can have an impact on many aspects of family life, comprehensive medical teams were formed in Canada. The comprehensive care team is a group of health professionals who work in a Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) and together offer complete medical care. They provide the person with hemophilia most, or all, of the healthcare services needed to live a healthy life. They are also available for consultation and to help family members, including carriers, deal with issues that affect them.
Placing hemophilia in perspective is a challenging task. Both patients and their families have to learn child to accept and successfully live with hemophilia. There are a variety of emotional and social issues unique to people and families living with hemophilia. The HTC medical team is available to help families discuss their concerns and deal with the physical and emotional issues throughout various stages of life.
Team Members
The comprehensive care team usually includes the following people:
- Hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood disorders, and who manages and directs the patient's medical care
- Nurse coordinator, who is often most involved with hands-on treatment and education
- Physiotherapist to help with joint and muscle problems that may develop
- Social worker to help families deal with emotional or logistical concerns
- The patient, and/or their parent/guardian
The team also works closely with:
- Coagulation laboratory, a lab that does specialized blood clotting tests
- Hematology laboratory (for all other blood tests) or a blood bank
- X-ray department, for assessing joint condition
- Dentist, especially one familiar with hemophilia
Sometimes the team may also include:
- Additional hematologists
- Pediatrician (for younger patients)
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Gynaecologist/obstetrician
- Rheumatologist
- Genetic counselor/geneticist
- Psychologist
- Hepatologist (liver specialist)
- Ear/nose/throat specialist