Introduction: AYA cancer patients have unique needs and require specialist care at all stages of the cancer trajectory, but particularly in survivorship. A review of the relevant literature demonstrates that the end of cancer treatment can be a very distressing time for AYAs and that increased support is required as they transition from active treatment to early survivorship to mitigate the impacts of this distress.
Method: A multi-disciplinary end of treatment clinic has been established for YCS patients following completion of their cancer treatment. Patients attending the clinic complete an age-appropriate psychosocial assessment evaluating their survivorship care needs in order to inform individualised care plans and goals in survivorship. The clinic provides patients with age-appropriate end of treatment information, resources and support; access is facilitated to specialist allied health services, where applicable and planning occurs to aid seamless transition of supportive care from YCS to community or other supports following treatment completion.
Results: Since the clinic was implemented, the number of YCS patients receiving comprehensive psychosocial assessment and survivorship care planning has increased. Patient feedback regarding the clinic has been overwhelmingly positive. Common areas of concern or adjustment have been identified, despite a variation in the levels of distress reported by those attending the clinic.
Conclusions: This clinic has optimised YCS end of treatment care, follow up and preparation of YCS patients for the transition from acute care to community health, as well as life after cancer. Preliminary data supports the need and value for such a clinic to exist and highlights key focus areas for future clinical practice and intervention.