Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) has a proud tradition of developing and delivering facilitated group-based education and support programs for those affected by cancer. With the expansion of regional cancer treatment services and the growing demand for consumer and survivorship programs, renewed engagement is integral to improving patient outcomes.
A regional engagement model has been developed by Education and Training at CCV to better understand the challenges and explore solutions in the regional delivery of cancer information and support group based programs. Integrated Cancer Services (ICS) were identified as key partners in renewing regional collaboration with CCV through their networks, in-depth knowledge of existing services and commitment to best practice and improved outcomes for cancer patients.
The aims of this engagement model are to:
Strengthen existing relationships with the Victorian ICS
Implement a regional coordinated approach to program planning and delivery
Enable greater access to facilitator training and professional development through the use of technology
Provide facilitators and health services with support to plan programs that meet the supportive care needs of their patients and carers
Through the model, engagement was achieved with ICS, experienced and potential program facilitators, local champions and health services through face-to-face and electronic regional consultations. This enabled mapping of existing gaps in education program delivery, regional planning of local strategies and enhanced collaboration between health services.
This work has identified opportunities for the Cancer Information and Support Services Education and Training Team at CCV, to address key challenges including the reduced number of our patient-facing Living with Cancer Education Program facilitators, increased work-loads and difficulty in attending metropolitan training.
The outcomes have resulted in innovative approaches in supporting regional facilitators, increases in planned, group-based support programs and a local coordinated approach through the development of collaborative regional action plans between Health Services, ICS and CCV.