Background:
Timely identification and referral of individuals with unmet supportive care needs can improve quality of life, increase adherence to treatment, and reduces the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment for cancer survivors. To improve access to information and supportive care services, Cancer Council NSW established the Cancer Council Liaison (CCL) service. CCLs, experienced health care professionals (HCP) are based in treatment facilities and engage face-to-face with people affected by cancer across the cancer continuum. The service commenced in 2019, with a CCL role established at four treatment centres in NSW. Since then, the services expanded to an additional four sites. From July 2019 to June 2024, CCLs supported 6,502 individuals.
Methods:
Semi structured interviews with HCPs (n=20) from four cancer centers and five CCLs were undertaken assessing the feasibility of integrating the CCL service in cancer centres and explore perceptions of the service amongst HCPs. Interview transcripts were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically using NVivo.
Results:
HCPs reported improved access to supportive care for patients and families, timely detection of unmet needs and increased HCPs awareness of support services. HCPs viewed the service as unique, innovative and an "extended part of the cancer care team". HCPs and CCLs identified several facilitators to successfully embedding the role within the cancer centres, including support from site management, early communication of responsibilities and scope of CCL role to clinicians, access to and embedding referral pathways in established systems, co-location of a CCL with other HCPs and attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that it is feasible to implement a CCL role at cancer treatment centres and the role is perceived as beneficial to improving patient outcomes. The roles need to be established in collaboration with cancer centres ensuring they meet the local needs and are integrated within the local structures and processes.