Facilitator(s): Mary-Ann Carmichael, Cathy Jager, Liana Galic
Synopsis: Cancer survivorship is increasingly recognised as an important component of the cancer care continuum, yet the role of radiation therapists (RTs) in survivorship care remains poorly understood and inconsistently implemented. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to cancer survivorship and explore what survivorship care may look like within radiation therapy practice.
Through discussion, clinical scenarios and a facilitated Q&A with a patient advocate, participants will consider the physical, psychological, social and informational needs of people following cancer treatment and identify opportunities for RTs to contribute to survivorship care.
Learning outcomes:
- Define cancer survivorship and recognise the diverse physical, psychological, social and informational needs that may arise during and following cancer treatment.
- Identify opportunities for radiation therapists to contribute to survivorship care, including education, assessment, communication, supportive care and referral.
- Recognise common survivorship concerns that may be experienced by people following radiation therapy and consider how these concerns may present in clinical practice.
- Explore the patient perspective on the transition from active cancer treatment to survivorship and consider how interactions with radiation therapists may influence the patient experience.
- Identify practical strategies for incorporating survivorship-focused conversations, support and referral into radiation therapy practice.
