Aim
To improve support and experiences of care for patients with advanced cancer and their carers, and reduce the current variations in quality cancer care.
Research Overview
Patients with advanced cancer have unmet symptom burden and information needs. Early evidence reveals referral to palliative care appears to address these needs. Yet gaps in understanding remain, particularly around the timing of palliative care for specific cancers, and its impact upon the patient, family and health care system. This study will explore the feasibility and preliminary impact of introducing standardized early palliative care (‘STEP Care’) at designated time points for patients with advanced breast and prostate cancer or a high-grade brain tumour. We anticipate STEP Care will improve support and experiences of care for patients, and reduce the current variations in quality cancer care.
Project Team
- A/Prof Jennifer Philip, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
- Prof Peter Hudson, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
- Prof Jon Emery, University of Melbourne.
- A/Prof Linda Mileshkin, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
- A/Prof Brian Le, Melbourne Health.
- Ms Anna Collins, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
- A/Prof Vijaya Sundararajan, University of Melbourne.
- Ms Susan Hanson, Cancer Australia.
- A/Prof Caroline Brand, Melbourne Health.
- Dr Sibilah Breen, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
- Dr Sonia Fullerton, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
- Ms Soula Ganiatsas, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne; Palliative Care Research Network.
Key Contact
Jennifer Philip : jennifer.philip@svha.org.au
Anna Collins : anna.collins@svha.org.au
Funding Source
Victorian Cancer Agency
Key Publications
Recruitment commencing in 2017.