These awards recognise excellence in healthcare innovations making a significant impact to patient care.
Marked for its contribution to improving the patient experience during cancer treatment and beyond, Icon’s Survivorship Program highlights the benefits for a wide range of supportive care ranging from emotional, physical, psychological, and practical challenges after active treatment.
Icon Cancer Centre Australia developed the program having seen patients were receiving varied survivorship support, depending on their centre and location.
The national program is a patient-focused, nurse-led and co-designed with consumers. Under the program, Cancer Care Coordinators provide personalised consultations for patients, developing a comprehensive Wellness Care Plan and essential post-treatment resources. Patients also have access to a Cancer Wellness Program delivered in a group setting.
Icon Group Director of Nursing, Margie Hjorth said that, while still in its initial stages, the Survivorship Program has greatly improved the patient experience.
“Fortunately, we continue to see more and more patients surviving a cancer diagnosis and we understand the importance of providing a holistic, integrated approach to care and support after treatment,” said Margie.
“This survivorship program continues our commitment to improving the patient experience and being able to give those in our care the support they need to transition smoothly from finishing their treatment to wellness and recovery and live well post treatment.”
Up to 108 participants across medical oncology, haematology and radiation oncology have enrolled in the program, which is currently available across five centres.
So far, 21 patients have completed the Survivorship Program with 70% of respondents feeling better than their last visit. When asked ‘How likely are you to refer the Survivorship Program to a friend?” 79% of respondents rated the service a perfect 10/10, achieving a Net Promoter Score of 89.5.
Patients have shared how the programs has benefited them:
“I feel I have been given multiple opportunities to discuss any concerns I have and also to given lots of information to support my ongoing wellbeing.”
“I appreciate having someone to talk to who is dealing with our lifestyle choices, balancing out strict medical regime. We want to live but have to find a way to enjoy life again as well”.
The program is based on the five Cancer Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Model of Survivorship Care principles:
The program, learnings and positive outcomes are highly scalable with Icon set to roll out the service to additional sites throughout 2024.
Margie said the team was excited to see the program expand and honoured to receive recognition.
“This program helps to close the care gap as people adjust to life after treatment and is a prime example of Icon’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional and comprehensive care to more people,” said Margie.
“I’m so proud of the team and what they are achieving for their patients.”
Award winners will be announced during a ceremony at the APHA Congress Gala Awards Dinner on 11 April 2024.
Icon Group is Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider and has expanded globally into Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
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