Optimisation of delivery of psycho-oncology services to enhance quality of life and other health outcomes for cancer patients
Optimisation of delivery of psycho-oncology services to enhance quality of life and other health outcomes for cancer patients
This project was supported by a NEMICS service improvement grant.
The project aimed to ascertain the burden of psychological health issues in Australian adult cancer patients undergoing systemic intravenous cancer treatment at Austin Health, and whether increased screening aids detection and response to emotional distress.
In addition, the project aimed to establish patient and oncology staff perspectives on repeated electronic questionnaires and support required to manage emotional distress.
Austin Health’s psycho-oncology service was also reviewed to identify areas for service improvement to meet increasing demands.
Impact
The project provided a comprehensive quality review of existing services, identified factors contributing to wait times, and benchmarked psycho-oncology services across six Victorian hospitals. It trialed mental health screening procedures to assess their feasibility and utility, revealing gaps in patient emotional support and barriers faced by staff. A literature review identified appropriate patient-reported outcome measures for anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
Outcome
The project resulted in recommendations for psycho-oncology and oncology services to enhance support for cancer patients with emotional distress and mental health needs, aiming to improve the quality and timeliness of their care.
Contact
Prof. Niall Tebbutt, niall.tebbutt@austin.org.au
