Postgraduate Research Guide

Cancer survivorship: LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS IN CANCER SURVIVOR HEALTH OUTCOMES WERE THE KEY OBJECTIVES OF AN EXTENSIVE, MULTI-FACETED AND EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION PROGRAM. The program began with a nurse-led trial involving 60 lymphoma blood cancer patients all of whom had completed treatment within a three to nine month timeframe. In addition a team conducted a cross sectional exploration of unmet supportive care and health literacy needs of cancer patients in a cancer centre at one of Perth’s major hospitals. Findings informed the development of a patient information video series focusing on needs after diagnosis and during treatment, common symptoms and the effects of treatment. Four integrative reviews of shared-care and self-management models for prostate, colorectal, lymphoma and sarcoma cancers were also undertaken and will be used to inform future survivorship care models. A project manager, research fellow and two clinical nurses were appointed to support the project. Project partners: WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, UWA, University of Melbourne and the Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group. RESEARCH MATTERS 43 SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY