Background: Feedback obtained from providers indicated that not only were treatment history and side effects important components of a SCP, but addressing the survivor as a whole person and as part of a family system (i.e., psychosocial section, family history and genetic testing, comorbidity section) was crucial. Survivors need information along the entire continuum of cancer care and health care professionals could benefit by a user-friendly process to convey information to their patients and their caregivers. Identifying the needs of health care providers regarding the essential elements of a SCP will help meet patient needs, potentially improve patient care and may help ensure greater use of the SCP among providers. This presentation is based on efforts of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance (MCA), a coalition of more than 80 groups and individuals, to improve quality of life for cancer survivors in Minnesota. The MCA is currently developing a comprehensive and user-friendly SCP based on feedback regarding limitations of existing survivorship care plan (SCP) tools. As a first step, a needs assessment of health care providers was conducted regarding essential elements.
Aims: To report on components providers wanted incorporated into the tool as well as methods to promote SCPs.
Methods: In April 2008, participants (e.g., oncologists, primary care providers, nurses, social workers, community health workers) of a working session on SCPs provided feedback on desired components and strategies for communication and promotion.
Results: A total of 59 health care professionals participated. Treatment given, possible side effects and a followup plan were considered the fundamental information needed. Participants wanted a separate psychosocial section which would include information on emotional, spiritual, sexual and economic issues (e.g., work) as well as the ability to document the survivor’s support system and any social support services used. A section on family history and genetic counseling/testing was deemed important as well as a section for documentation of other comorbidities. Participants indicated that use of the SCP tool should begin at diagnosis and provide information for both short and long-term survival.
Conclusions: