AfteR Cancer Health and Wellness for Adolescents & Young Adults (ARCHWAYS) is an innovative survivorship care model developed by the Queensland Youth Cancer Service (QYCS) to address the unique needs of young cancer survivors aged 15-25 years. With a five-year survival rate of 92% for this age group in Queensland (2013-2017), the number of young people living with and beyond cancer continues to rise, highlighting the need for comprehensive survivorship care. ARCHWAYS aims to ensure equitable access to care, empowering young people to manage their health post-treatment and transition smoothly to community-based primary care. The program aims to connect with 100% of eligible AYA cancer patients within six months of completing acute cancer treatment, utilising a telehealth model to provide state-wide coverage.
Personalised care plans are central to the ARCHWAYS approach, incorporating psychosocial assessments and long-term follow-up strategies that promote self-management, chronic disease prevention, and overall well-being. The model is guided by principles of inclusivity, timeliness, evidence-based care, and a person-centred approach, ensuring that young survivors are actively involved in their health decisions. ARCHWAYS also emphasises a seamless transition from acute to primary care, supporting AYAs and the primary health professionals involved in their ongoing care. ARCHWAYS is designed to provide a bridge between primary and hospital care teams, reducing the risk of potential errors from miscommunications and empowering young people to obtain care locally when appropriate and desired.
By reducing the burden on hospital outpatient departments and facilitating integrated care across all service levels, ARCHWAYS empowers general practitioners (GPs) to deliver holistic survivorship care with the necessary support and resources. The program’s commitment to accessible, equitable, and developmentally appropriate care positions it as a critical service for young cancer survivors in Queensland. Insights gained from the implementation of ARCHWAYS will guide future expansion and enhance survivorship care, ensuring that all AYA cancer survivors receive the support they need as they transition to life after cancer.