A quality improvement pilot to initiate treatment summaries and survivorship care plans in oncology services in South Australia

Abstract

Aim: To review, test and refine standardised tools for nurses to initiate treatment summaries and care plans, and identify barriers and enablers to providing them.Background: This paper reports on a pilot study informed by the development of a Survivorship Framework in South Australia.Methods: Expression of interest was sought for adult medical oncology services to pilot standardised tools within existing services and resources. A quality improvement approach was used over three months with nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner candidates to obtain feedback, refine tools and resources, and identify barriers and enablers. Quantitative and qualitative data was recorded at each site using spreadsheets, at fortnightly meetings, and at a final debriefing. Content analysis was used to identify key themes in the context of barriers and enablers.Findings: Four medical oncology clinics in South Australia participated (three metropolitan, one regional). Forty-three consultations were delivered at three sites. Barriers included time to complete documentation, perceived knowledge and skills, re-orientation of clinics and referral

What are the mechanisms underlying the delivery of survivorship care information in Australia? A realist review

“…For instance, Meiklejohn et al. found that for Indigenous Australians, the use of plain language and culturally relevant information greatly facilitated their understanding and use of the information provided 23 . When such efforts were not taken, Indigenous Australian cancer survivors had difficulty relaying information to their family and healthcare workers, limiting their access to support within their community 23 …”

“…Fourteen studies provided data to generate this theory regarding the importance of considering the social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the cancer survivors 21–34 . For instance, Meiklejohn et al.…”

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] For instance, Meiklejohn et al found that for Indigenous Australians, the use of plain language and culturally relevant information greatly facilitated their understanding and use of the information provided. 23 When such efforts were not taken, Indigenous Australian cancer survivors had difficulty relaying information to their family and healthcare workers, limiting their access to support within their community. 23 Similarly, Kwok and White interviewed Chinese-Australian breast cancer survivors and found that many women were unable to understand the information they received due to cultural and language barriers.…”

“…23 When such efforts were not taken, Indigenous Australian cancer survivors had difficulty relaying information to their family and healthcare workers, limiting their access to support within their community. 23 Similarly, Kwok and White interviewed Chinese-Australian breast cancer survivors and found that many women were unable to understand the information they received due to cultural and language barriers. 26 Survivors had varying levels of English proficiency and primarily spoke a language other than English.…”

“…Fourteen studies provided data to generate this theory regarding the importance of considering the social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of the cancer survivors. [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] For instance, Meiklejohn et al found that for Indigenous Australians, the use of plain language and culturally relevant information greatly facilitated their understanding and use of the information provided. 23 When such efforts were not taken, Indigenous Australian cancer survivors had difficulty relaying information to their family and healthcare workers, limiting their access to support within their community.…”