Abstract 5160
Background
The Irish Cancer Society is committed to monitoring the impact of our Cancer Information Services (CIS) at 4 key stages (prevention, support, survivorship and palliative) to demonstrate the positive changes our services bring to the people affected by cancer. CIS incorporates Cancer Nurseline (freephone cancer helpline) and Daffodil Centres (walkin cancer information and support centres) based in cancer centres. Both are staffed by specialist cancer nurses. CIS provides support, advice and information to anyone affected by cancer. The information provided is tailored to the needs of each individual enquirer giving them greater access to cancer support and information which complements the service provided by the clinical teams in hospitals or in the community. In 2018 there were 47371 contacts to the service.
Methods
Impact Monitoring uses surveys (paper and online) to collect information from service users. The nurses recruited cancer support enquirers over a two month period during September and October 2018. An enquirers’ distress level was assessed (using distress screening) by the nurse to determine if they were suitable to take part in the survey. Consent was obtained from participants across all services. Returned surveys were entered into a database and analysed according to themes and patterns. All respondents were anonymous.
Results
CIS had many positive impacts. Enquirers to the service appreciated the opportunity to access information from a healthcare professional either by phone or within a Daffodil Centre. During analysis some of the main benefits of the service identified include • Increased knowledge of cancer and its symptoms • More supported and aware of emotional supports • More in control • Reduced anxiety. Accurate and reliable information from a CIS healthcare professional offered reassurance to patients.
Conclusions
Having access to a cancer nurse through the CIS gave cancer patients the opportunity to avail of support, information and advice as and when they needed it. Enquirers felt they could talk through their questions and concerns, with the nurse providing information and guidance which reassured them. Talking to a nurse helped people feel more supported, more knowledgeable about their cancer and hopeful about the future.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
5383 - A pilot trial to investigate the impact of a personalised self-management lifestyle programme using mobile technology on the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors
Presenter: Mary Grace Kelly
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5084 - The BRIGHTLIGHT national survey of the impact of specialist teenage and young adult cancer care on caregivers’ information and support needs
Presenter: Rachel Taylor
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4328 - Life beyond cancer: Occupational health care service support in returning work experienced by cancer survivals
Presenter: Minna Nurmi
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3337 - Investigating the factors related to primary caregivers' burden in oncology patients in Greece
Presenter: Ourania Govina
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3387 - Factors Influencing the Level of Emotional Support from Nurses Perceived by Patients Undergoing Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Protective Isolation
Presenter: Michela Piredda
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
935 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guided Imagery Techniques and the Way of Coping of Parents of Children with Malignancies: A randomized controlled trial
Presenter: Tsitsi Theologia
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3457 - Pharmacist and Nurse Led Melanoma Immunotherapy Clinic
Presenter: Dharmisha Chauhan
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4297 - It's Great to Talk
Presenter: Noreen Andersen
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4444 - Impact of Burn-Out Syndrome in Oncology personnel and its improvement through specific interventions
Presenter: Inmaculada Ortega
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2927 - Singapore Caregiver Quality Of Life Scale (SCQOLS): Turkish Validity and Reliability Study
Presenter: Nur Basak
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract