Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer 3/2018

01.03.2018 | Original Article

Integrating referral to community-based cancer information and support services in a hospital setting

verfasst von: David J. T. Marco, Anna G. Boltong, Adrian Dabscheck, Georgina Akers, Michelle Pryce, Victoria M. White

Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 3/2018

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Purpose

To implement and evaluate a hospital-based referral mechanism to increase patient uptake of community-based cancer information and support services. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and education program was evaluated. Changes in usage of Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer information and support telephone line were investigated.

Methods

A 6-month study was conducted in one metropolitan and one regional cancer treatment hospital. Clinicians attended an education session regarding referral mechanisms to Cancer Council support services. Clinicians completed a questionnaire, and consenting patients participated in a semi-structured telephone interview for the project evaluation. The number of calls made from patients at study sites was monitored.

Results

Fifty-two clinicians were trained and referred a total of 430 patients to the cancer information and support service during the study period. Calls from patients increased by up to 100% per month from baseline following the implementation of the referral mechanism. Staff evaluations showed support for the referral mechanism and its incorporation into routine practice. Interviews were conducted with 45 patients; most remembered receiving the referral and were positive towards the intervention. Common reasons patients gave for not acting on the referral included forgetting, lack of need, timing and burden of information.

Conclusions

There is preliminary evidence that this intervention increases awareness and uptake of community-based cancer information and support services. Ongoing clinician education and improvements in patient-clinician communication are important for effective translation from referral to service uptake. Consideration of the most appropriate time in a patients’ care trajectory to introduce a referral is warranted.
Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Dunn J, Lynch B, Rinaldis M, Pakenham K, McPherson L, Owen N, Leggett B, Newman B, Aitken J (2006) Dimensions of quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patients. Psychooncology 15:20–30CrossRefPubMed Dunn J, Lynch B, Rinaldis M, Pakenham K, McPherson L, Owen N, Leggett B, Newman B, Aitken J (2006) Dimensions of quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patients. Psychooncology 15:20–30CrossRefPubMed
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Liekweg A, Eckhardt M, Taylor SC, Erdfelder E, Jaehde U (2005) Psychometric assessment and application of a questionnaire measuring patient: satisfaction with information on cancer treatment. Pharm World Sci 27(2):96–103CrossRefPubMed Liekweg A, Eckhardt M, Taylor SC, Erdfelder E, Jaehde U (2005) Psychometric assessment and application of a questionnaire measuring patient: satisfaction with information on cancer treatment. Pharm World Sci 27(2):96–103CrossRefPubMed
5.
Zurück zum Zitat Clarke SA, Booth L, Velikova G, Hewison J (2006) Social support: gender differences in cancer patients in the United Kingdom. Cancer Nurs 29(1):66–72CrossRefPubMed Clarke SA, Booth L, Velikova G, Hewison J (2006) Social support: gender differences in cancer patients in the United Kingdom. Cancer Nurs 29(1):66–72CrossRefPubMed
12.
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Eakin EG, Strycker LA (2001) Awareness and barriers to use of cancer support and information resources by HMO patients with breast, prostate, or colon cancer: patient and provider perspectives. Psychooncology 10(2):103–113CrossRefPubMed Eakin EG, Strycker LA (2001) Awareness and barriers to use of cancer support and information resources by HMO patients with breast, prostate, or colon cancer: patient and provider perspectives. Psychooncology 10(2):103–113CrossRefPubMed
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Broadstock MJ, Hill D (1997) Evaluation and impact of promotion of a cancer helpline to cancer patients through their specialists. Patient Educ Couns 32(3):141–146CrossRefPubMed Broadstock MJ, Hill D (1997) Evaluation and impact of promotion of a cancer helpline to cancer patients through their specialists. Patient Educ Couns 32(3):141–146CrossRefPubMed
19.
22.
Zurück zum Zitat Grimshaw JM, Shirran L, Thomas R, Mowatt G, Fraser C, Bero L, Grilli R, Harvey E, Oxman A, O'Brien MA (2001) Changing provider behavior: an overview of systematic reviews of interventions. Med Care 39(8 Suppl 2):II2–I45PubMed Grimshaw JM, Shirran L, Thomas R, Mowatt G, Fraser C, Bero L, Grilli R, Harvey E, Oxman A, O'Brien MA (2001) Changing provider behavior: an overview of systematic reviews of interventions. Med Care 39(8 Suppl 2):II2–I45PubMed
Metadaten
Titel
Integrating referral to community-based cancer information and support services in a hospital setting
verfasst von
David J. T. Marco
Anna G. Boltong
Adrian Dabscheck
Georgina Akers
Michelle Pryce
Victoria M. White
Publikationsdatum
01.03.2018
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Ausgabe 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3890-6

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2018

Supportive Care in Cancer 3/2018 Zur Ausgabe

Update Onkologie

Bestellen Sie unseren Fach-Newsletter und bleiben Sie gut informiert.