Cancer Survivorship Pilot Program (Griffin Hospital study)
Complete Project
Title:
Cancer Survivorship Pilot Program (Griffin Hospital study)
Status:
Completed
Topic:
Evaluation Services
Funding Source:
Valley Community Foundation
Funding Period:
2012-2013
Purpose:
Patients who have recently completed cancer treatment often face challenges such as fatigue, insomnia, pain, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, reduced libido, financial stress, and/or fear of cancer recurrence. Griffin Hospital developed and pilot-tested a patient-centered Cancer Survivorship Program. It was designed to educate participants about the risks for long-term side effects of cancer treatment, and connect them to available treatments and resources to help improve their quality of life. The PRC served as evaluator to help assess the program’s viability.
Further Study Details:
The program included nutrition counseling, specialized physical therapy, exercise classes, psychosocial care, spirituality/pastoral care, and referral to available treatments and resources. Participants’ self-reported quality of life was assessed at baseline and 3 months after program initiation with a Quality of Life Cancer Survivors Scale.
Findings:
A total of 32 recently-treated breast cancer patients completed the program. Self-reported levels of physical well-being and quality of life improved significantly by the time of their second visit compared to their initial visit. While the exercise and nutrition components were considered particularly useful, some patients felt they did not want or need all of the program components, and might have benefited from a program tailored to their individual needs. At the Cancer Center, communication has since been enhanced, with medical specialists regularly referring patients to the Survivorship program. Incoming patients meet with a social worker and oncology-certified nurse, who arrange for individual program components that best meet their needs.
Eligibility:
Residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton who had completed active treatment for breast cancer at Griffin’s Center for Cancer Care.
Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center