Many people living with cancer do not receive adequate supportive care in oncology settings. Effective care coordination between oncology settings and community health could support survivors transition to allied health services and empower them to self-manage their health and wellbeing. Description of practice change implemented: This study reports on the evaluation of a referral pathway from a hospital-based oncology service to a multidisciplinary community-based health service, Carrington

more »

... lth. Aim: The study aimed to understand patterns of service utilisation at Carrington Health, and health professionals' perspectives on the implementation of a community-based model of survivorship care, the Good Life Cancer Survivorship (GLCS) program. Targeted population: Survivors referred to GLCS were undergoing or had completed cancer treatment, and unable to participate in intensive ambulatory oncology rehabilitation. Timeline: Carrington Health services utilisation was tracked over five months, and perspectives of health professionals referring to, and involved in the GLCS program were recorded using semistructured interviews. Highlights: The oncology service made 25 referrals. The most accessed services were physiotherapy with 18 appointments, followed by psychology (12) and dietitian services (11). Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) Allied health services are relevant to people with cancer; 2) Education and information needs; 3) Communication gaps; 4) A one-stop multidisciplinary and holistic care model. Sustainability: GLCS is a multidisciplinary cancer survivorship model integrated into an existing community-based chronic disease management program. Transferability: Core components of GLCS could be implemented across other community health services to improve access to allied health services for all cancer survivors. Conclusions: GLCS provides a model to support integrated allied healthcare services to help survivors transition from acute treatment to community-based care. Supporting ongoing