Health status and needs of cancer survivors attending the Sydney Survivorship Centre clinics and programmes: a protocol for longitudinal evaluation of the centre’s services

Abstract

IntroductionThe care of cancer survivors after primary adjuvant treatment is recognised as a distinct phase of the cancer journey. Recent research highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in treating symptoms, potentially decreasing risk of a cancer recurrence and modifying the risk of developing other chronic illnesses that are increased in the cancer population. Survivorship services aim to deliver care that addresses these issues. The overall aims are to determine the health status of cancer survivors and to evaluate the services offered by the Sydney Survivorship Centre (SSC).Methods and analysisThis is an observational single-centre study evaluating the longitudinal physical and psychological health, symptoms, quality of life and lifestyle (physical activity and nutrition) of early stage cancer survivors attending the multidisciplinary Sydney Survivorship Clinic and survivors (at any stage of the cancer journey) and caregivers participating in SSC courses. Evaluation of patient satisfaction is included. Patient-reported outcomes and patient characteristics will be summarised using descriptive statistics with Spearman rank sum correlation coefficients to determine associations between patient-reported outcomes. Regression modelling may be used to further evaluate associations and to investigate risk factors and predictors of health outcomes. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes. Sample size will be determined by attendance of consenting patients at clinics and courses.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received ethics approval from the Concord Repatriation General Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/14/CRGH/23). The results will be published and presented at appropriate conferences.This study will provide important information regarding the health status and needs of Australian cancer survivors and the ability of the survivorship centre to address these needs. These data will shape the future direction of survivorship care in Australia and facilitate the design of interventions or measures to provide better quality of care to this patient population.

Factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in breast and colorectal cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study of cancer survivors

“…The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) was established in September 2013 at the Concord Cancer Centre in Sydney. It includes a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic for patients with cancer who have completed primary treatment with curative intent without evidence of cancer recurrence and a range of programmes to support lifestyle change 18 . Referrals are made to the SCSC as part of routine care following completion of adjuvant treatment.…”

“…It includes a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic for patients with cancer who have completed primary treatment with curative intent without evidence of cancer recurrence and a range of programmes to support lifestyle change. 18 Referrals are made to the SCSC as part of routine care following completion of adjuvant treatment. At the initial clinic visit, patients are reviewed by a medical oncologist/hematologist, cancer nurse specialist, exercise physiologist, dietitian and clinical psychologist to develop a management plan based on current evidence and guidelines.…”

Is there a need for change in cancer survivorship care? A qualitative exploration of survivor experiences and needs at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic

“…The SCSC includes a number of services, including a survivor-specific clinic, gym, and cottage. The clinic team, comprising an accredited exercise physiologist, dietitian, clinical psychologist, clinical nurse consultants, medical oncologists, and haematologist, holistically addresses known risk factors for cancer recurrence and chronic illnesses, aiming to improve length and quality of life for survivors [ 16 – 18 ].…”

Utility of survivorship care plans: A mixed‐method study exploring general practitioners’ and cancer specialists’ views

“…9,12,13 The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic for medical oncology and hematology patients with localized cancer who have completed primary adjuvant treatment (including chemotherapy). [14][15][16] At the initial visit, patients see a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) comprising a cancer specialist, cancer survivorship nurse, dietitian, clinical psychologist, and exercise physiologist. Survivors are provided with an individualized SCP including recommendations from each MDT member for managing or preventing treatment-related side effects and reducing lifestyle risk factors for cancer recurrence and chronic diseases, which make it unique compared to other SCPs.…”

“…The Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic is a multi‐disciplinary clinic for medical oncology and hematology patients with localized cancer who have completed primary adjuvant treatment (including chemotherapy) 14–16 . At the initial visit, patients see a multi‐disciplinary team (MDT) comprising a cancer specialist, cancer survivorship nurse, dietitian, clinical psychologist, and exercise physiologist.…”