Background:
The systemic nature of blood cancer can lead to a complex diagnostic and treatment pathway. Many blood cancers are considered chronic & / or incurable. People face life-long impact on their physical, psychological, and social health and wellbeing. They experience constant adjustment to remission / relapse / progression with multiple lines of treatment. Therefore, the term ‘survivor’ does not accurately reflect the lived experience of this community. Data indicates a high level of unmet supportive care needs, particularly when disease management is community based.
The original face-to-face support groups transitioned to regular online groups in response to the need for consistent, accessible, and high-quality support. Implementation was hastened due to Covid-19 and the need to provide continuity of support to a highly vulnerable community.
Objectives:
Discussion:
The focus of the program to address the specific health and wellbeing needs of the blood cancer community. This is in recognition that some issues are common across diagnoses yet remain specific to the unique nature of blood cancer. Stakeholder feedback indicates the program provides valued, relevant information and support anywhere in Australia. Program planning and design enables a flexible response to the current health environment and lived experience of the blood cancer community.
Future Directions: