Successful implementation of a disease-specific survivorship program for men with prostate cancer (PC) and their partners.

Abstract

31 Background: Treatment for localized PC can adversely impact the quality of life for the patient (pts) and his partner. Addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to treat biochemical relapse or metastatic disease can result in further symptoms. We hypothesized that PC pts and partners would benefit from a clinical, educational, research-based approach to care that would focus on their specific needs. Methods: Funding from government agencies and philanthropic sources were used to establish a survivorship program in the urology clinic at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. A multi-disciplinary management team was formed to oversee the program. The Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) Program is organized around 5 thematic modules 1) information about PC and primary treatment options (TX), 2) sexual health and intimacy (SH), 3) lifestyle changes in diet and exercise (DE), 4) managing the side effects of ADT, 5) incontinence and pelvic floor physiotherapy (PT). Group educational sessions (ED) are held 1-2 times monthly. Individual clinic appointments with SH and PT clinicians are also available. A program manager, clinic coordinator, and research assistant run PCSC on a day-to-day basis. Results: PCSC was initiated in January 2013. Urologists, nurses, pharmacists, and radiation oncologists referred patients to PCSC. Of 802 pts who enrolled (167 in 2013, 369 in 2014, and 266 in 2015 to date), to receive the quarterly newsletter, 626 (78%) chose to actively participate in at least one module (summarized in table). Feedback from couples, participating clinicians, and allied health personnel has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition, the PCSC population is proving to be a rich source of patients for research projects and training opportunities for young MDs. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that implementation of a disease specific survivorship program is feasible, well received and has other unanticipated benefits. Outcomes research and intervention protocols are in progress to address our hypothesis. [Table: see text]