Aim
The Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan (CRC PSCP) pilot project aims to improve the health and well-being of early-stage, non-metastatic CRC survivors who have completed active treatment. It was launched in September 2023 at a health service in Victoria.
Methods
The CRC PSCP is an evidence-based care model 1-5 focused on consistent end-of-treatment processes and improved collaboration and communication with primary care providers. General practitioners (GPs) were engaged through an opt-out consent approach, with a rapid access pathway 6 established for urgent specialist consultation. The PSCP includes a cancer treatment summary, a follow-up care plan, and a well-being and healthy lifestyle plan. The survivor's unmet needs and level of distress were assessed using the validated Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) tool 7 before completing the PSCP. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
Interim results
The pilot has recruited 33 CRC survivors and their GPs, putting it on track to meet its recruitment target of 52 in 12 months. The mean age of survivors was 62.45 years. Most participants were male (58%, n=19) and born in Australia (55%, n=18). Out of the 30 survivors who completed a DTPL assessment, 53% (n=16) reported emotional problems, 53% (n=16) physical problems, and 33% (n=10) practical problems. This resulted in six referrals to Cancer Council Victoria and one to allied health services. Feedback from eleven participants was overwhelmingly positive, with 91% (n=10) to 100% (n=11) strongly agreeing/agreeing that the PSCP addressed their well-being goals, prepared them for what to expect post-treatment, made it easier to communicate with their providers, informed them about health choices and introduced them to information to support themselves.
Conclusion
Interim results reveal this project has fostered collaboration between providers, addressed the unmet needs of CRC survivors, and empowered them to take an active role in their care