Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2019

Is there a need for change in survivorship care?: A qualitative exploration of cancer survivor experiences and ongoing needs at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic (#265)

Liam AJ Obeid 1 , Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan 1 2 , Kain Phansuwon 1 , Yu Ching (William) Lai 1 , Haryana M Dhillon 3 , Janette L Vardy 1 2
  1. Sydney Medical School, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Concord Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW, Australia
  3. CeMPED, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background:

Effective cancer survivorship care is contingent on a comprehensive understanding and management of the dynamic needs of cancer survivors. The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) Clinic established a holistic, multidisciplinary model of survivorship care. This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences and perceptions of the clinic.

 

Methods:

Semi-structured focus groups (FG) involving participants recruited from the SCSC Clinic were conducted by an experienced facilitator and observer using a focus group guide covering: patient perceptions of first clinic visit, services accessed, ongoing unmet needs, and how needs changed over time. FG were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis using a Framework approach was undertaken and participant characteristics summarised descriptively.

 

Results:

We conducted eight FG involving a total of 26 participants from various tumour groups; 16 breast, 9 colorectal, 1 pancreas. Participants had a median age of 60 years (range 44-82), most were female (n=20), born in Australia (n=14), and spoke a language other than English at home (n=14). The following six overarching themes were identified: i) perceptions of the clinic; ii) patient-centered care; iii) adjustment to illness; iv) changing symptoms and needs; v) caregiver role; and, vi) General Practitioner role. In general, participants valued the multidisciplinary model and cancer survivorship expertise of the clinic team, which aided their recovery. Many perceived the initial clinic visit to be overwhelming, with large quantities of information shared. Participants reported their adjustment to illness was assisted by attendance at the clinic, particularly in managing their expectations of recovery, normalising survivorship experiences, and coping with existential threats. A key contributor to recovery was the understanding achieved through social connections with other survivors.

Conclusions:

The SCSC Clinic offers holistic, specialised care and reassurance to cancer survivors. Adjustment to the survivorship journey and management of physical sequelae of treatment were perceived as important in their recovery.