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Integrated Cancer Care making a positive difference for cancer patients

October 21, 2021

Ramsay’s Integrated Cancer Care program is helping thousands of patients navigate their cancer journey from diagnosis, right through to treatment and recovery.

The Cancer Care Service Line partners with Ramsay hospitals, Ramsay Health Plus, rehabilitation services, Ramsay Connect and Ramsay Psychology to provide cancer patients with a personalised pathway for their treatment and recovery, both in and out of hospital. 

Under the Integrated Cancer Care model, patients are assessed for their navigation needs and most patients are assigned a Cancer Care Navigator who can help them to develop a plan, connect with their clinical team and answer any questions or concerns they may have from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.   

Doctors also enjoy easy access to multidisciplinary teams at the right time, and can rest assured their patients are being supported during and after their diagnosis and treatment. 

Cancer Care Service Line Director Sue Sinclair said the Integrated Cancer Care program was achieving excellent results. 

“Since the Integrated Cancer Care model was implemented in April 2020, our patients have reported a 39% decrease in anxiety and depression scores from diagnosis through to the end of their treatment,” Ms Sinclair said. 

“Our Cancer Care Navigators are guiding patients through that clinical pathway and helping them access services, such as physiotherapy or psychology, at a time that’s best suited to their needs.  

“We know being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most challenging and daunting times in a person’s life - so it’s wonderful to see that our navigators are helping them through that difficult period,” she said. 

As the largest private provider of cancer care in Australia, Ramsay Health Care has a large network of cancer services. Ramsay Health Plus has incorporated an exercise and nutrition pathway as part of cancer treatment, while patients with more complex needs can access the ACTIVATE Day Rehabilitation reconditioning cancer program, where they’re supported by a multi-disciplinary allied health team and small group therapy.  

A pilot program is nearing completion where patients have been able to take advantage of Ramsay Connect’s phone-based program to transition from acute cancer care to community care. This includes health coaching and up-skilling patients to effectively manage their own chronic care needs.  The evaluation is underway and early results with improvement in patient’s self-care and confidence in managing their needs. 

Ramsay Psychology also provides face to face or Telehealth consultations for patients with moderate levels of anxiety and/or depression.   

Patients accessing the Integrated Cancer Care model have reported improvement in their mobility, self-care, pain and discomfort levels and their overall health through the ACTIVATE program.  

For more information head to www.ramsayhealth.com.au/Find-a-Service/Cancer 

 

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