Cancer Survivorship Connections: Interprofessional Research Collaborations
Rationale/Background: The beginning of the partnership was a meeting where we shared our research and clinical interests. The next meeting was focused on creating an inventory of current projects going on in each group and defining priorities and joint projects. The goal for all the meetings and collaborations has been to alleviate the suffering of all cancer patients by a focus on universal “survivorship” which includes incremental efforts to aid cancer recovery, improve the delivery of survivorship care, and support of cancer caregivers. In addition we propose research and clinical community programs to decrease the burden of cancer through primary prevention, interventional prevention in high risk groups, and earlier detection. Through such mutual collaborations it is possible to advance the care of cancer survivors once therapy is concluded and they are ‘cured’. But in many cases their lives are forever changed and an interdisciplinary partnership is needed to address their needs.
Description of best practice: We have conducted quarterly meetings of the entire group with frequent meeting of the sub-groups. In each of the large meetings we did careful examination of strengths and weaknesses with both institutions. All meetings were non-hierarchical with all input valued and were conducted at mutually convenient locations. We collaborated on all aspects of cancer survivorship from community support to individual care.
Outcomes: We identified opportunities in collaboration around Cancer Survivorship Science, Cancer Prevention, Cancer Recovery, and Cancer Caregiver with each of the 4 areas of emphasis including both academic researchers and clinical practitioners and researchers. We are designing a seamless assessment and navigation protocols from therapy plan with identified patient educational needs, through recovery and wellness plan with attention to individualized special needs and consultations. We are conducting a gap analysis with women received radiation therapy; gaps to be indentified include symptom mgmt, supportive care, and integrative healthcare. We have developed a mobile health application to self-record physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep and other activities to promote self-care. App is BeWell24 and goal is for patient to share results with provider if desired. The clinical partner has planned a dedicated space with focus on Cancer Patient Experience that integrates physical medicine and rehabilitation, integrative medicine, breast care, patient experience, caregiver lounge all connected by the Cancer Survivorship connection. Two funded studies from partnerships created through the Connection; one focused on quality of life issues of cancer survivors and the other on needs (gap analysis) of community-resources and care for cancer survivor.
Conclusions: Creating a mutually supportive and equal partnership between academic and clinical partners involves obtaining support from highest level of administration. Ensuring that funded researchers are involved and committed also is needed to provide strength to the partnership.