Abstract 5261
Background
Most AYA pts (age 18-44) across the RCN are seen in adult oncology settings tailored to the medical and supportive care needs of the general cancer population. The purpose of this study is to conceptually re-develop the delivery of supportive care services to this pt population and create a care model that could be used as a framework for AYA clinics in Canada and abroad.
Methods
An analysis of the Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS) 2012-2015 was conducted to better understand AYAs’ satisfaction with the current level of care in RCN. A Chi-square test was employed to investigate differences between AYAs (ages 18-34 vs 35-44) and pts age 45 and over (n = 2,438).
rnA Delphi study, composed of two panels (pts vs. health care professionals), was conducted. Panelists were asked to select a set of strategies proposed by Zebrack et al. (2010) to address the service gaps identified through AOPSS. Selection was made by rank ordering strategies based on scores of importance (7 point Likert scale). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine study results.
Results
The analysis of the AOPSS results revealed important differences related to i) the overall satisfaction and perception of quality of care; ii) access to services and iii) satisfaction with specific aspects of care such as emotional support, communication, access to information and physical comfort.
rnBoth Delphi panels have identified access to 1) age-appropriate education programs; 2) standardized symptom management, pain control, palliative care; and 3) fertility preservation as important strategies to enhance delivery of supportive care services to AYAs (Table).rnTable:
1558P Sample Strategies for Improving Patient Quality of Life and Quality of Care Throughout the Cancer Care Continuum (Zebrack et al, 2010)
rn| Patient Panel (n = 31) | Health Care Professionals Panel (n = 31) | rn | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank Order (round 1) | Importance Score (0-7 Likert scale) | Rank Order (round 1) | Importance Score (0-7 Likert scale) | rn|
| Patient education programs that provide AYAs with knowledge regarding treatment options and the potential physical and QOL implications of cancer therapy | rn1 | rn6.55 | rn4 | rn6.45 | rn
| Inform reproductive-age patients of cancer- related fertility risks as early in the treatment planning as possible (as per ASCO guideline) and refer as needed to an appropriate fertility preservation specialist | rn2 | rn6.42 | rn2 | rn6.58 | rn
| Provide access to a systematic and standardized symptom management, pain control, and palliative care program | rn3 | rn6.35 | rn1 | rn6.65 | rn
Conclusions
Evidence gathered through the AOPSS and Delphi studies will be used to inform health administrators of strategies needed to better respond to the unique supportive care needs of oncology AYAs.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Petr Kavan
Funding
Rossy Cancer Network
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.