Background:
In 2021 a Patient Parliament consultation process with over 80 consumers at a comprehensive cancer centre identified carer and family support as a high priority and highlighted the need for more services for carers, and awareness early in treatment of services available for carers. Further consultations found that carers were unprepared for the impact of physical toll, managing carer emotions and impacts on everyday living. They were struggling to get the support they need, and support services were not being used to their greatest benefit. Objective 1 was to develop a Supporting Carers Strategy to address the priorities and gaps in current service provision as identified by consumers and in alignment with the Victorian Carer Strategy. Objective 2 was to develop an accessible, onsite dedicated service for carers.
Development:
Stage 1. A Carers Strategy Advisory Committee was created to advise on the development of the strategy and to support and evaluate its implementation. Consumer consultation (n=9) was conducted in September 2022. Key hospital staff reviewed the strategy and provided feedback via an online survey between Aug – September 2022. Stage 2. A Carer Support Program was established to provide dedicated onsite services for carers. This included a Carer Support Officer, Clinical Psychologist and Carer’s Circle peer support group.
Implementation:
Stage 1. The Supporting Carers Strategy 2022-26 was launched in December 2022 and outlines five priorities to establish a coordinated approach to the way we care for carers. Stage 2. The Carer Support Officer role was established in January 2022 and provides supportive conversations to understand carer needs, establish wellbeing goals, and connect carers with appropriate support services. The Clinical Psychologist commenced service delivery in February 2023 and provides accessible and timely psychological services. The program has supported 157 carers to date.