Adolescent and young adult cancer patients are recognised as a group with specific needs: the psychological impact of undergoing cancer treatment, interruption to educational progress, social isolation from peers and the need to preserve the opportunity for parenthood are just some of the issues that can arise from a cancer diagnosis. The psychosocial support needs of adolescent and young adult patients are different from patients of other ages. Their developmental stage has them straddling emerging adulthood and adolescence. Their cognitive, emotional and social skills are under development while their desire for independence and separation from parents is increasing.1
Participation in the Victorian and Tasmanian Youth Cancer Network Project was the impetus for Eastern Health allied health and nursing staff to improve the management of AYA cancer patients presenting to the health service for treatment.
Utilising the ONTrac@PeterMac Victorian AYA Cancer Service Practice Framework, and the AYA Oncology Psychosocial Care Manual (produced by CanTeen) and with the support of staff at ONTrac@Peter Mac, the Eastern Health Oncology Service has implemented the AYA model of care with the goal of achieving best practice in the psychosocial care of adolescents and young adults with cancer.
This poster outlines the work undertaken by Eastern Health Allied Health and Nursing staff to integrate the AYA model of care into routine practice for the care of adolescent and young adult patients presenting with a diagnosis of cancer. It reviews the introduction of the AYA specific supportive care screening tool and care plan, the introduction of an AYA Multidisciplinary Meeting and the creation of AYA specific resources for staff, patients and carers. The poster will include preliminary data from these activities and also explores the challenges in sustaining the practice changes that are essential to adequately support the complex medical and psychosocial needs of this patient group.