Poster Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Evaluation of Survivorship Care Plans at Northeast Health Wangaratta (#147)

Rebecca McAllister 1 , Amanda Kavanagh 2 , Samantha Cooper 2 , Erin Primmer 2 , Kerrin Elliott 2
  1. Hume Regional Integrated Cancer Service, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
  2. Cancer & Wellness Service, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Wangaratta, Vic, Australia

Evaluation of Survivorship Care Plans at Northeast Health Wangaratta

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) from the perspectives of patients and stakeholders, evaluating SCP impact on communication, coordination of post-treatment care for cancer survivors, and patient experience and satisfaction outcomes.

METHODS

The mixed-methods study included:

  1. Ethics approval obtained from Northeast Health Wangaratta Human Research Ethics Committee (LNR/87152/NEHW-2022-320086). All participants provided informed consent prior to inclusion in the study.
  1. Patient Surveys: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from patients.
  2. Stakeholder Surveys: Post-implementation surveys were conducted with health professionals.
  3. Recruitment: Patients were recruited during consultations and invited to participate in surveys at 3- and 6-months post-SCP creation. Data analysis included quantitative associations and qualitative insights from open-ended responses.

 

RESULTS

Patient surveys indicated a positive experience and satisfaction with SCPs. Key findings include:

  • SCPs provided comprehensive information, facilitating better care coordination and communication.
  • SCPs helped patients transition from active treatment to survivorship, reducing post-treatment isolation.
  • Stakeholders recognised SCPs' value in promoting patient-centered care and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Patient testimonials emphasised SCPs' importance:

  • “Post treatment is very isolating... The follow-up care plan and support is vital.”
  • “The care plan is so much better than a box of papers and multiple digital pieces of information.”
  • “It helps you understand what you need to focus on and should also improve information sharing across the medical team.”

CONCLUSIONS

The Northeast Health Wangaratta pilot project demonstrated SCPs' potential as transformative tools in post-treatment cancer care. Although not yet standard in Australia, SCPs at Northeast Health Wangaratta demonstrated comprehensive and coordinated survivorship care. Positive feedback from patients and healthcare professionals’ highlights SCPs' role in enhancing patient experience, care coordination, and patient empowerment in their healthcare journey.