Teal Cares Network Guidelines and Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER:

The resources and information provided by NOCC staff are NOT an endorsement of those individuals or practices. Staff members and facilitators can provide guidance and support, but do not provide medical advice or assistance. 

TEAL CARES NETWORK POLICIES

Please read this policy to acknowledge your understanding of them. If any of our policies seem unclear, please discuss them with the Teal Cares staff. 

SCOPE OF SERVICE:

Teal Cares Network provides targeted support with others who share your role as a caregiver from the convenience of an online connection. Offered in a safe, nurturing environment, each session is facilitated by clinicians from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and the Gynecologic Oncology Family CARE Center at Magee Women’s Hospital of UPMC. 

When diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the lives of family and friends can also change in a heartbeat. There can be uncertainty around what will be needed from them, and whether they can adequately fulfill the role. If this is where you find yourself, it’s important to know that being a caregiver can be very rewarding. The key is understanding how to maintain your physical and emotional well-being, and that’s exactly why the Teal Cares Network exists.

Sessions focus on the impact of your loved one’s diagnosis, the feelings associated with the diagnosis, and coping strategies to help manage the cancer experience. 

Teal Cares Network reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services to any person at any time for any reason. 

CONFIDENTIALITY:

We ask that our participants keep what they hear about others confidential and not repeat what you hear, including email, social media or other formats of public communication. We cannot guarantee confidentiality. When privacy is a concern, please limit what you share. Information about participants is only shared among the Teal Cares staff and facilitators for purposes of supervision, program planning, assessment, and professional collaboration.

GUIDELINES FOR MEMBERSHIP AND RESPECTING OTHERS- TEAL CARES NETWORK SAFE ZONE:

1. If group members choose to exchange phone numbers, addresses or email addresses, that information should not be shared with anyone outside of the group. Please do not add group members to other email listings or groups you may utilize. 
2. We expect that each person will respect and maintain the confidentiality of the group. What is said in the group is not to be repeated or discussed at any other time or place.
3. We ask that you refrain from discussing politics and religion. Feel free to talk about your own spiritual practice and how it has helped you, without imposing your beliefs on others.
4. Share your own experiences in the group.  Do not tell others what they “should” or “should not” do.  Although advice is welcomed, some members may find it helpful while others may not. 
5. Talking often helps, but it is not necessary to talk in the group.  Listening and observing can be just as impactful.
6. Crying and expressing other emotions is absolutely appropriate.
7. For everyone to have a chance to share, please be aware of the time when it is your turn. 
8. If you have special or important issues, let the group facilitator know prior to the session, so time can be made for your concerns.
9. If you feel a group is not right for you, let the group facilitator know – we’d love to talk with you further to provide guidance.
10. If you are no longer actively coping with issues or concerns due to your role as a caregiver, the facilitator(s) can help you transition to a more appropriate group, such as a bereavement group. 

BY PARTICIPATING IN NOCC’s TEAL CARES NETWORK, YOU AGREE TO RELEASE THE NOCC AND HOLD IT HARMLESS FROM ANY LIABILITY OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE PROGRAM.