Telehealth nurse-led survivorship clinic enhancing outcomes for colorectal cancer patients

Currently, the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS) is supporting the development and implementation of a Telehealth Nurse‑Led Survivorship Clinic (TNLSC) for early‑stage colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors at Monash Health.

Project aims

This project aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of early‑stage I and II CRC survivors who have completed their primary treatment.

The project supports:

• Survivor‑Centred Care: Establish an integrated and coordinated care model that effectively meets and addresses the identified health needs of CRC survivors.
• Optimised Access to Care: Improve access to follow‑up care by providing services closer to home.
  Comprehensive Care Coordination: Provide specialised post‑treatment care coordination through a dedicated intervention nurse who addresses the complex, multifaceted supportive care needs of CRC survivors.
• Referral Facilitation: Ensure necessary referrals are made during TNLSC appointments to address the specific needs identified by the patient.
• Patient Education: Educate survivors about self‑management, lifestyle changes, and disease prevention, and provide effective management strategies and access to reliable resources to empower them to actively participate in their care.

Progress

The TNLSC launched in July 2025, offering six appointments each week. The clinic operates alongside the weekly CRC surgical clinic, with TNLSC appointments alternating with those of the surgical team. This arrangement will continue annually for five years following the completion of primary treatment, providing essential ongoing support for patients as they navigate their survivorship journey.