Initiating a community-based cancer supportive care program

Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD, Holly Gautier, RN, BSN, Patricia Fobair, LCSW, MPH, and David Spiegel, MD

Cancer Supportive Care Program National/International and Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program, Stanford, CA

Traditionally, the main thrust of psychosocial cancer support has been improving patient coping skills and reducing depression. Recently, the emphasis has shifted to the evaluation and improvement of quality of life (QOL) for patients. Clinical trials of psychosocial interventions suggest that QOL is an independent predictor of survival for cancer patients. The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program (SCSCP) has demonstrated the ability of supportive programs, when linked to the cancer care continuum, to improve patient QOL. Beginning with the SCSCP, the Cancer Supportive Care Program National/International (CSCP National/International) has developed a simple model for flexible implementation in both large and small cancer centers, using a team approach and available resources. This article describes QOL improvement in Stanford CSCP patients, the services and resources needed to establish a basic care program, and a stepped approach to implementation.

Commun Oncol 2005;2:73–77 print e-mail full text 136 kb