Background:
Cancer survivors may experience complex health needs including chronic health conditions, some of which are preventable by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health) program was developed for cancer survivors, their partners, family and carers. ENRICH is evidenced-based, integrating health behaviour change models, utilising chronic disease self-management tools and social cognitive theory. Key principles include skill development, personal monitoring, goal setting and problem solving.
Aim:
To deliver the ENRICH program in a cost effective and sustainable manner through collaboration with Cancer Treatment Centres (CTC) and Health Professionals.
Methods:
Collaboration with CTC’s to deliver the ENRICH program realises mutual benefits of;
Results:
Since collaborating with CTC’s in August 2013, 43 ENRICH programs have been delivered reaching 595 participants. 16 programs were delivered in CTC’s costing$37 per head compared with 27 externally funded programs costing $190 per head. Collaboration with CTC’s resulted in an 80% reduction in program costs.
Conclusions:
Collaboration with CTC’s provides a cost-effective and sustainable model of program delivery for healthy lifestyle interventions.
Implications:
Collaboration with CTC’s provides the opportunity to improve access for cancer survivors across NSW to the ENRICH program. Increasing knowledge regarding nutrition and exercise may result in reduced comorbidities and chronic health conditions in cancer survivors. Further investigation is required to assess if this collaborative approach is achievable in regional and remote areas of NSW and if Health Professional referrals has an impact on attendance rates and long-term behaviour change of cancer survivors.