Survivorship is becoming recognized as a distinct phase in the cancer care continuum. The Optimal Care Pathways explain that “international research shows that there is an important need to focus on helping cancer survivors cope with life beyond their acute treatment.” (Cancer Council, 2015) The Hume Regional Integrated Cancer Service (Hume RICS) implemented a survivorship program for cancer survivors, the Hume Survivorship Service (HSS) in two regional settings (West and Border East Hume) to assess unmet needs and ensure patients receive follow-up care according to their needs to reduce the physiological and psychological impact of cancer.
Following completion of active treatment, patients aged 18 years and over were referred to the HSS for assessment and referral to a range of follow-up services that assess medical and psychosocial concerns. The outcome of many of these referrals was to the Wellness and Life after Cancer Program (WALAC). This program is underpinned by a focus on health literacy, patient empowerment and health prevention utilising a chronic disease management approach, in conjunction with primary care and community health providers.
The aim of the program is to cater to the needs of cancer survivors in the Hume region by facilitating regular cancer focused information sessions and providing expertly coordinated care to people who have ongoing health needs after completion of treatment . With the support of Cancer Council Victoria (CCV), the HSS piloted the first WALAC in Shepparton in November 2015. Following on from this first program, the HSS worked closely with CCV to evaluate and improve the content delivered within WALAC.