Supportive Care Project

Supportive Care - All Tumour Groups

The SMICS Supportive Care Plan identified seven priorities, to be addressed over the next three to five years:

  • increasing the profile of supportive care
  • access to a skilled supportive care workforce
  • supportive care screening
  • patient communication and information
  • access to emotional support, counselling and mental health services
  • palliative care
  • continuity of care

SMICS' priority targets over this period include:

  • reporting on number and roles of staff who have participated in communication skills training program modules (Emotional Cues, Breaking Bad News etc.) (VCAP target)
  • have a core set of resources provided to patients in at least three tumour streams by December 2010
  • 50 percent of medical records will have evidence of supportive care discussions in MDT care planning by December 2011
  • supportive care screening will be documented in 50% of newly diagnosed patients by 2012 (VCAP target)

Current activity | March 2010

MMC Moorabbin (Southern Health): Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU)

The pilot of a supportive care screening tool commenced in November 2009. In addition, informal education was provided to CDU staff at two meetings. Close to 100 patients have been screened and the working group will soon commence an evaluation of the tool, its usefulness to staff and patients and decide on a final version, which can then implemented into daily clinical practice.

Alfred Hospital (Alfred Health): Haematology Oncology Clinic (HOC)

The pilot of a supportive care screening tool commenced in late November 2009. Information education of HOC staff was provided at two sessions. Close to 50 patients have been screened and the working group is considering other areas where the tool can be piloted in coming months. The pilot will also include an evaluation process, with staff surveys, data analysis and patient questionnaire to examine the efficacy of the tool.

Cabrini Health: Colorectal Care Coordination Project

The Colorectal Nurse Coordinator is currently trialling the distress thermometer and problem checklist with patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The use of the tool will form part of the model of care being piloted by the Colorectal Nurse Coordinator.

Peninsula Health: Pending

SMICS is discussing the possibility of undertaking a pilot at Peninsula Health, similar to those conducted at Alfred Health and Southern Health. More details are to follow.

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