Background
Timely identification and referral of individuals with unmet supportive care needs can improve quality of life, increase adherence to cancer treatment, and reduce the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. To improve access to information and supportive care services, Cancer Council NSW established the Cancer Council Liaison (CCL) service. CCLs are based in treatment facilities and engage face-to-face with people affected by cancer across the cancer continuum. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the service amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) and identify barriers and facilitators to service integration.
Methods
The research presented here, results from semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs; n=20) from four cancer centres, was one part of a broader mixed methods evaluation. The interviews aimed to assess the feasibility of integration of the CCL service in their cancer centre and explore perceptions of the service amongst HCPs. Interview transcripts were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically using NVivo.
Results
HCPs reported improved access to supportive care for patients and families and that a CCL enabled timely detection of unmet needs at any point in the patient or carer’s cancer experience. CCLs approach to assessing needs helped reduce the risk of patients’ unmet needs and adverse impacts on their psychosocial wellbeing. Considered by HCPs as an “extended part of the cancer care team,” engaging with the CCL increased HCPs own awareness of available support services. Described by HCPs as unique and innovative, all of the participants stated that they would recommend the CCL role to other cancer centres. HCPs identified several facilitators to successfully embed the role within the cancer centres.
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals value the Cancer Council Liaison role and believe the role improves patients access to supportive care services and improves patient outcomes.