BreaCan’s Bridge of Support Program at Western Health aims to adapt a community-based model of peer support into the acute setting to meet the diverse needs of women with breast cancer in Western Health’s catchment area. This acute-community sector partnership demonstrates how the medical and social models of health can work in harmony to provide a connected and quality service for women. Key elements of the successful collaboration include:
- an enduring, respectful relationship between Western Health and BreaCan
- shared values of diversity, responsiveness and accessibility
- champions within the acute setting
- an MOU outlining responsibilities of all partners
- representation of key stakeholders, including peer support volunteers on the project steering committee
- a dedicated project officer supporting volunteers and project partners
- an action research approach allowing the project to be responsive to issues and challenges as they arise
The program has been operating since February 2016 and the initial data (Feb-Aug 16) indicates some positive early results:
- 41 individual women treated for breast cancer accessed the program (82 separate contacts)
- figures for Western Health’s breast service for the same period are not yet available, however based on previous year’s data this represents an estimated reach of approximately 40% of women seen by the breast service.
- 50 per cent of the contacts were follow-up contacts with BreaCan volunteers either at the hospital or through BreaCan’s resource centre, demonstrating a successful bridge to community-based peer support
- 20 per cent of women had metastatic disease enhancing access to support and information by women with advanced cancer
- 61 per cent of women were born in non-English speaking countries (compared with 17% in Victoria overall) reflecting an accessible service.
Importantly clinicians noted the value of a service which complements medical treatment, giving space and time to patients. It is particularly helpful for women with complex information needs.