Moving forward after cancer: successful implementation of a colorectal cancer patient–centered transitions program Abstract Purpose Cancer survivors transitioning between academic comprehensive cancer systems and community general practice settings are vulnerable to discontinuity, inconsistency and variation in care, inappropriate surveillance testing, and a sense of isolation and loss. Though these issues have been well recognized for over a decade and a half in the survivorship, oncologic, and health services literature, there remains a dearth of positive examples of models that have been well received by both the transitioned patient and the providers on either side of the handoff. We herein describe a sustained positive example of a transitions program. This program centers on standardized and personalized survivorship care plans (SCP) to guide follow-up care and recovery. Methods Following the province-wide introduction of a transitions program for treated stages II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, a post-implementation survey was mailed to transitioned patients with the primary outcome evaluated the patients’ perception of improved continuity of care and the main instrument used the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire. This was compared against a previously published pre-implementation historical control. Results The data presented comparing pre- and post-implementation patient cohorts reflect significantly improved patient-reported perceptions regarding the enhanced continuity and coordination of their follow-up and survivorship care after the province-wide introduction of a formal transitions process. This SCP intervention has been sustained post implementation. Conclusions Using, as a starting-point, a standardized electronically SCP, CancerCare Manitoba has successfully facilitated a jurisdiction-wide implementation of a scalable, reproducible, and adaptable transitions program. Implications for Cancer Survivors This intervention at the time of transition back to the community has enhanced CRC survivor perception of continuity and coordination of follow-up care.

A model of cancer survivorship care within a community health setting: the Good Life Cancer Survivorship program Abstract Purpose This study aimed to establish and evaluate the referral pathway from a hospital-based oncology service to a multidisciplinary community-based health service supporting survivors to engage in self-management. Method The evaluation involved understanding patterns of health service utilisation and health professionals’ perspectives on the implementation of the community-based model of survivorship care, the Good Life Cancer Survivorship (GLCS) program. Survivors referred to GLCS were undergoing or had completed cancer treatment and unable to participate in intensive ambulatory oncology rehabilitation. Health service utilisation was tracked over 5 months, and the perspectives of health professionals referring to and involved in the GLCS program were recorded using semi-structured interviews. Results The oncology service made 25 referrals. The most accessed services at Carrington Health were physiotherapy with 18 appointments, followed by psychology (12) and dietitian services (11). Four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Allied health services are relevant to people with cancer; (2) Education and information needs; (3) Communication gaps; (4) A one-stop multidisciplinary and holistic care model. Conclusion This project demonstrated that community health may be a valid setting to support cancer survivors in managing their health. Supporting ongoing awareness, education and understanding of services across both community and acute care settings will foster care coordination and strengthen referral pathways. Implications for Cancer Survivors Accessing appropriate community-based allied health services can support cancer survivors in developing self-management skills to manage their own health and improve their health outcomes and wellbeing in the survivorship phase.

I.CAN: health coaching provides tailored nutrition and physical activity guidance to people diagnosed with cancer in a rural region in West Gippsland, Australia Abstract Purpose I.CAN is a program which uses health coaching to provide tailored nutrition and physical activity guidance to people diagnosed with cancer in a rural region in eastern Victoria, Australia. I.CAN builds patients’ nutritional knowledge, attitudes and health literacy to healthy eating and weight maintenance and incorporates sustainable and affordable dietary changes into everyday eating patterns. While oncology care identifies patients at risk of malnutrition and weight loss, less attention has been placed on building patient’s capacity for healthy lifestyles and behaviours after cancer treatment. Methods I.CAN is delivered by a dietitian and exercise physiologist and is offered in three streams, one-on-one consultation, one-one-one and group and group. Paired t tests and chi-square analysis were used to analyse data. Results At 3-month review, I.CAN participants (1) significantly increased exercise activity from 51 to 86% (p < 0.001) and (2) showed increased trends in positive food choices from 62 to 66%. Importantly, positive food choices for alcohol and processed snacks were maintained, and there were increases in positive food choices for fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy and processed meats. Conclusion I.CAN is an example of a program which can be delivered within a rural setting, with minimal resources, and achieve positive impact for patients. Implications for Cancer Survivors Key to the success of the program is promoting wellness early in the cancer trajectory and providing patients with practical tools, a person-centred and multidisciplinary team approach and a program which is adaptable to the changing needs of the patient and the health service.

Posttraumatic stress as a contributor to behavioral health outcomes and healthcare utilization in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Abstract Purpose To examine the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), neurocognitive and psychosocial late-effects, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization in long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Methods Participants included individuals (N = 6844; 52.5% female; mean [SD] age at diagnosis = 7.6 [5.8], at follow-up = 34.9 [7.5]) in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Follow-up included the Posttraumatic Stress Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, Short-form 36 Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) survey, CCSS Neurocognitive Questionnaire, and questions about sociodemographics, physical health, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization. Modified Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and neurocognitive, HRQOL, health behavior, and healthcare outcomes when adjusting for sociodemographics, disease, and treatment. Results Long-term survivors with PTSS (N = 995, 14.5%) reported more impairment in mental (relative risk [RR] 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.05–3.85), and physical (RR = 2.26, CI = 1.96–2.61) HRQOL. PTSS was also associated with increased impairment in task efficiency (RR = 3.09, CI = 2.72–3.51), working memory (RR = 2.55, CI = 2.30–2.83), organization (RR = 2.11, CI = 1.78–2.50), and emotional regulation (RR = 3.67, CI = 3.30–4.09). Survivors with PTSS were significantly more likely to attend cancer-specific health visits in the past 2 years (OR = 1.89, CI = 1.50–2.39), and showed greater likelihood of either high frequency (OR = 1.89, CI = 1.50–2.39) or complete lack of (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.32–2.01) primary care visits compared to survivors without PTSS. Conclusions Survivors with PTSS reported significantly more psychosocial and neurocognitive late effects, and were more likely to engage in variable use of healthcare. Implications for Cancer Survivors PTSS is associated with additional challenges for a population vulnerable to adverse late effects. Inclusion of integrative services during follow-up visits may benefit functional outcomes.

Influenza vaccination in caregivers of childhood cancer survivors Abstract Purpose An increased risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors could be significantly reduced through vaccinations. This study aimed to examine influenza vaccination practices by caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Methods Study subjects were 364 caregivers, recruited at three major hospitals in South Korea. We collected demographic and medical information through self-administered questionnaires, along with clinical information of childhood cancer survivors by reviewing medical records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze factors associated with influenza vaccination of caregivers. Results A total of 55.2% of caregivers had received influenza vaccination at least once and 24.2% had received yearly influenza vaccinations during the last 3 years. Caregivers with highest education level were more likely to receive influenza vaccination than caregivers with lowest education level: aOR (95% CI) was 3.42 (1.17, 9.99) for ever-receipt of vaccination and 3.33 (1.15, 9.58) for yearly vaccination. One-year increase in caregiver age was inversely associated with ever-receipt of vaccination (aOR (95% CI), 0.94 (0.90, 0.98)) as well as yearly vaccination (aOR (95% CI), 0.92 (0.88, 0.97)). Increasing time lapse since the end of treatment was also associated with lower vaccinations. Conclusion Influenza vaccination rates of childhood cancer survivor caregivers were suboptimal. Time lapse after completing cancer treatment, caregiver age, and educational level were independently associated with receipt of influenza vaccination by caregivers. Implications for Cancer Survivors To promote influenza vaccination in caregivers of childhood cancer survivors to prevent influenza-related morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors is necessary.

Implementation of the Smoking Treatment and Recovery (STAR) program: healthy cancer survivorship through integrated tobacco control Abstract Purpose It is well-established that persistent tobacco use among patients with cancer results in numerous adverse outcomes. However, the assessment and treatment of tobacco use with evidence-based methods have been lacking in cancer care. Our cancer center has established its first tobacco treatment program, a multidisciplinary, evidence-based, clinical program for hematology/oncology patients. Methods We describe the development and implementation of the program, emphasizing lessons learned in treating nicotine addiction among patients who are at very high risk for continuing to use tobacco throughout the survivorship phase. Results We developed a system to assess tobacco use at each outpatient visit, from those recently diagnosed to long-term survivors. For patients who have smoked in the past month, the protocol offers standard behavioral and pharmacological treatments, delivered by tobacco treatment specialists and nurse practitioners over four in-person and/or telephone-based sessions. Partnerships with the Psychosocial Oncology and Cancer Survivorship Programs have provided integrated and comprehensive care for patients during and after their cancer treatment. Conclusions The systematic efforts to reach and engage current smokers have laid the groundwork for maximizing the program’s future effectiveness and impact. Our initial results demonstrate not only the complexities but also the feasibility of developing a new tobacco treatment program in the oncology setting. Implications for cancer survivors The implications for cancer survivors are the significant improvements in treatment outcomes that occur with tobacco abstinence.

Clinical placement program in cancer survivorship for primary care providers 2017–2019 Abstract Purpose The growing population of cancer survivors indicates an increasing role for primary care practitioners (PCPs). Building on two pilot initiatives, we sought to demonstrate feasibility of a state-wide program of short observational placements for PCPs and identify changes in knowledge and confidence to deliver survivorship care. Methods Placements were offered at hospitals with oncology departments across Victoria, Australia. Participants attended a multidisciplinary team meeting and a minimum of two outpatient clinics. Participation targets included at least 70 general practitioners (GPs), 15 practice nurses (PNs) and 15 allied health professionals (AHPs). Mixed methods evaluation included pre- and post-placement surveys. Results The program was successfully delivered across eight sites; 148 PCPs enrolled, 58 PCPs withdrew and ultimately 90 PCPs (53 GPs, 15 PNs and 22 AHPs) completed a total of 224 placements. Ninety-two percent (81/89) of participants reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care, 87% (78/89) agreed they had opportunities to enhance clinical relationships with specialist teams and 93% (83/89) agreed the program was relevant to their practice. Conclusions Building on previous pilots, this third iteration demonstrated the program is sustainable across multiple health services and geographical locations. PCPs reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding survivorship care and that the program provided opportunities to strengthen relationships between primary care and cancer specialists. Implications for Cancer Survivors A placement program within tertiary cancer centres offers a feasible, transferable model to build PCP knowledge and confidence to deliver appropriate and quality survivorship care.

The Johns Hopkins Primary Care for Cancer Survivor Clinic: lessons learned in our first 4 years Abstract Purpose We established the Primary Care for Cancer Survivor (PCCS) Clinic in 2015 to address transition and care delivery challenges unique to cancer survivors. We describe the clinical program, detail patients from the first 4 years of implementation, and discuss lessons learned during the process. Methods We abstracted relevant patient information from the electronic medical record, administered a needs assessment survey at initial visits, and collected relative value unit (RVU) data. Results Between August 2015 and May 2019, we saw 230 PCCS patients with an increasing number of referrals yearly; nearly half were breast cancer survivors. At the initial visit, patients reported a median of 9 needs, with emotional needs most prevalent; over a third received at least one referral. PCCS patients generated higher billing codes and average RVUs compared with general patients. Conclusions In its first 4 years, the PCCS program has thrived as a unique model of cancer survivorship centered in primary care. PCCS patients reported numerous needs, emphasizing the critical need for a multi-disciplinary approach in this population. With increasing referrals, we have considered different risk stratification and staffing models for capacity and expansion. By generating more RVUs per visit compared with the general clinic, PCCS has demonstrated financial sustainability. Buy-in from our oncology colleagues, divisional support from general medicine, along with our collaboration of like-minded internists have allowed us to be a robust program. Implications for Cancer Survivors Models of survivorship care embedded in primary care can provide meaningful, patient-centered care for cancer survivors.

Colorectal cancer survivors only marginally change their overall lifestyle in the first 2 years following diagnosis Abstract Purpose A healthy lifestyle after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis may improve prognosis. Data related to lifestyle change in CRC survivors are inconsistent and potential interrelated changes are unknown. Methods We assessed dietary intake, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and smoking among 1072 patients diagnosed with stages I–III CRC at diagnosis, 6 months and 2 years post-diagnosis. An overall lifestyle score was constructed based on the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research recommendations (range 0–7). We used linear mixed models to analyze changes in lifestyle over time. Results Participants had a mean (± SD) age of 65 ± 9 years and 43% had stage III disease. In the 2 years following CRC diagnosis, largest changes were noted for sugary drinks (− 45 g/day) and red and processed meat intake (− 62 g/week). BMI (+ 0.4 kg/m2), waist circumference (+ 2 cm), and dietary fiber intake (− 1 g/day) changed slightly. CRC survivors did not statistically significant change their mean intake of fruits and vegetables, alcohol, or ultra-processed foods nor did they change their physical activity or smoking behavior. Half of participants made simultaneous changes that resulted in improved concordance with one component as well as deteriorated concordance with another component of the lifestyle score. Overall lifestyle score changed from a mean 3.4 ± 0.9 at diagnosis to 3.5 ± 0.9 2 years post-diagnosis. Conclusions CRC survivors hardly improve their overall lifestyle after diagnosis. Implications for Cancer Survivors Given the importance of a healthy lifestyle, strategies to effectively support behavior changes in CRC survivors need to be identified.

Patient-clinician interactions and disparities in breast cancer care: the equality in breast cancer care study Abstract Purpose To examine whether interpersonal aspects of patient-clinician interactions, such as patient-perceived medical discrimination, clinician mistrust, and treatment decision-making contribute to racial/ethnic/educational disparities in breast cancer care. Methods A telephone interview was administered to 542 Asian/Pacific Islander (API), Black, Hispanic, and White women identified through the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, ages 20 and older diagnosed with a first primary invasive breast cancer. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from logistic regression models that assessed associations between race/ethnicity/education, medical discrimination, clinician mistrust, and treatment decision-making with concordance to breast cancer treatment guidelines (guideline-concordant treatment) and perceived quality of care (pQoC). Results Approximately three-quarters of women received treatment that was guideline-concordant (76.6%) and reported that their breast cancer care was excellent (72.1%). Non-college-educated Black women had lower odds of guideline-concordant care (aOR (CI) = 0.29 (0.12–0.67)) vs. college-educated White women. Odds of excellent pQoC were lower among the following: college-educated Hispanic women (aOR (CI) = 0.09 (0.02–0.47)) and API women regardless of education (aORs ≤ 0.50) vs. college-educated White women, women reporting low and moderate levels of discrimination (aORs ≤ 0.44) vs. none, and women reporting any clinician mistrust (aOR (CI) = 0.50 (0.29–0.88)) vs. none. Disparities in guideline-concordant care and pQoC persisted after controlling for medical discrimination, clinician mistrust, and decision-making. Conclusions Interpersonal aspects of the patient-clinician interaction had an impact on pQoC but not receipt of guideline-concordant treatment and did not explain disparities in either outcome. Implications for Cancer Survivors Although breast cancer survivors’ interpersonal interactions with clinicians did not influence receipt of appropriate treatment, intervention strategies to improve patient-clinician relations may help attenuate disparities in survivors’ pQoC.