Maria Aamir
Tawam Hospital, UAE
Title: Cancer survivorship: Developing a cancer survivorship program at Tawam hospital, Al Ain United Arab Emirates
Biography
Biography: Maria Aamir
Abstract
Majority of cancer survivors at Tawam Hospital seem to be significantly less informed about their care process upon completion of their treatment. Tawam Hospital does not have a survivorship program for Cancer patients. The main
objectives were to identify and measure the components of the transition from oncology care to primary care by providing every patient and his or her primary care provider with a treatment summary and care plan and to deliver educational programs for both patient and primary care providers about a survivor’s unique needs as well as developing a self-sustain program that can be replicated at other SEHA cancer service providers. Need Assessment Baseline Data was established with the survey comprised of basic questions to explore survivor’s major concerns. Total 11 domains were assessed based on the most prevalent concerns of survivors. Each domain was given a scoring as “1” providing 3 options as fully informed, partly informed or no information. The final results were: (1) 13% of domains about which patient had full information (2) 48% domains about which patients were partly informed and (3) 38% of domains about which patients had no information at all. Cancer patients at Tawam were found significantly less informed about the care process. The problem was rectified by implementing the survivorship care program with the SCP focus. SCP template was developed within the CERNER - accessed by both Cancer Registry and Survivorship Clinic. Need assessment survey was implemented and baseline data was collected to identify utmost needs/issues. Eligible patients were identified and the part of SCP was filled by the Registry staff to be further filled by the Survivorship clinic staff. Final SCPs were reviewed by the consultant to be signed and given to the patients. Survivorship clinic requires continuous monitoring and coordination of multidisciplinary team at Tawam Hospital including, navigation process, patient satisfaction unmet needs, regular reporting and auditing to ensure the delivery of SCPs to all eligible patients and continual education on the care process to enhance coordination of care within and outside the hospital.