Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung KYC (1), Lo YKS (2), Choy YP (2), Kwok CH (2) Chan WMM (1)
Affiliation :
(1) KWC Community Health Care (2) Department of Oncology, PMH/ KWC
Introduction :
Radical radiotherapy, or postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy are standard of care for patients with Head and Neck (H&N) cancers. After completion of treatment, long term sequelae of both the underlying malignancy and its treatment will affect their general health and quality of life. There are international guidelines for H&N cancer survivorship care. Currently, there is a lack of unified local surveillance and survivorship protocols. Expert advice in supporting cancer survivors are greatly valued. To fill in this service gap, and as a Medical Social Collaboration (MSC) initiative of KWC, PMH Oncology department launched a Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Program (Pilot) in collaboration with HKU Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care (JCICC), with the aim of empowering the cancer survivors for a better rehabilitation and healthy life in the community while the collaboration is reinforced by KWC Community Health care.
Objectives :
1.To provide multi-disciplinary psycho-oncology assessment and re-assessment for H&N cancer survivors who suffer from physical, psychological problems after radical oncology treatment
2.To enhance their cancer rehabilitation process and improve their quality of life
3.To navigate community support to needy cancer survivors
Methodology :
The pilot project was started since 19 September 2022. PMH Oncologist referred the H&N cancer survivors who have completed active oncological treatment and suffer from physical problems, e.g. poor oral feeding, poor weight gain, and psychological issues, e.g. anxiety for recurrence, poor sleep, etc., to the survivorship clinic run by JCICC. A baseline free multi-disciplinary health assessment will be carried out by nurse, dietitian and exercise specialists. Counselling will be offered if needed. The cancer survivor will be provided a health assessment report which includes personalized diet, physical activity, and psychosocial management advice and resources information based on the assessment. A follow-up session will be arranged three months after the first consultation. Fast-track refer-back pathway is also in place to ensure timeliness assessment if new clinical problems arise, or recurrence is suspected.
Result & Outcome :
By 1 December 2022, 55 cases were referred and 53 patients were successfully recruited to JCICC for the 1st consultation. The evaluation of this pilot program would be carried out in 2Q 2023. The way forward would be on replicating the well-established MSC service model in KWC. With the help of JCICC providing the train-the-trainer program, the NGOs/ District Health Centers would be equipped with necessary skills and knowledge so to support the various cancer survivor services in KWC.
