Background
New models of care are required to provide quality survivorship care. Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) are consecutive medical consultations in a group setting, providing an evidence-based and cost-effective model of care that may improve self-efficacy in people with cancer. Health coaching (HC) is a non-directive and patient-centred practice whereby a trained coach helps people identify and achieve health-related goals.
Aim
We aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel model of care combining SMAs and HC for cancer survivors on self-efficacy, symptom burden and health behaviours (the “Take Charge” program) at a comprehensive cancer centre in Sydney, Australia.
Methods
Patients who completed initial disease-modifying treatment for any cancer stream at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse were invited to enroll in the eight-week program. Sessions comprised 60 minutes of consecutive individual medical consultations (SMAs) with a GP with expertise in cancer-survivorship and integrative oncology, followed by 60 minutes of group HC by an accredited health coach, delivered face-to-face in groups of 4-6 fortnightly for 4 sessions. Patients were then invited to participate in semi-structured one-on-one interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using NVivo. Evaluation of the program used the RE-AIM framework.
Results
Six programs were delivered in 2023-4 to 22 participants. On average, participants attended 3.5 sessions per program. 21 participants completed the program (95% retention). Preliminary analyses suggest that attending the Take Charge program improved self-efficacy. Preliminary qualitative analysis revealed participants found benefit in both the group and individual sessions as an opportunity to share experiences, build confidence and keep goals to account. All made practical changes toward their health goals and would recommend the program to a friend with cancer. Further findings will be presented after full analysis.
Conclusion
SMAs together with group HC is a novel and highly acceptable cancer survivorship intervention that may improve self-efficacy.