Background:
Numerous reports have recommended that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (collectively, SCP) at the end of initial treatment.
Aim:
To evaluate the impact of SCPs and describe enablers and barriers to implementation at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Methods:
The Peter Mac Ethics Committee / IRB approved the study. A random sample of patients within 4 clinical services (CS) who had received a SCP were invited to participate. Questionnaires were sent to consenting patients by mail. Nurse coordinators (NC) delivering SCPs completed an online survey. NC representing the remaining 7 CS, all CS chairs, and all heads of allied health were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. GPs (primary care physicians) of consenting patients were contacted by telephone and completed a brief survey.
Results:
118 patients were approached; 50 completed (42%rr). 80% (n=39) had read their SCP. 78% (n=35) considered it very or somewhat useful and 51% (n=23) considered it very important in helping them to understand their cancer experience. 60% (n=28) had not discussed their SCP with their GP; 55% (n=26) felt it would help discussions. All NC (n=7,100%) delivering SCP considered them a very or somewhat useful tool for clinical practice, 43% (n=3) considered them too long. 72% (n=13) of GPs reported receiving the SCP and 92% (n=12) had read it, 21% (n=3) had discussed it with their patient. Most felt it would improve communications with the patient (n=10, 71%) and cancer treatment providers (n=9, 64%). 43% (n=6) of GPs experienced challenges providing follow-up care. Themes from semi-structured interviews included lack of awareness of the SCP project, limited leadership and commitment within the organisation, lack of time, staffing and appropriate IT solutions.
Conclusions:
All participants considered SCPs to be useful. Organisational commitment, clinical leadership and adequate resourcing are required prior to further implementation.