The hospital where I currently work recently developed and implemented a survivorship program that incorporates Cancer Survivorship Care Plans for all curative patients we treat in our Radiation Oncology department. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time of their cancer diagnosis over the remainder of their life. The survivorship program will ensure that essential components of quality cancer care is provided to every patient treated within our facility during the course of their care. The program incorporates patient-centered treatment by collaborating with the patient at the end of their treatment and reviewing a packet of information that includes a print out with summary of the treatment they received (i.e.: dates, doses, and the number of treatments) along with a roadmap of future follow-up care. A care plan includes the following; the patients’ treatment summary, a follow-up care plan, cancer surveillance or other recommended related tests, any suggested needs for ongoing treatment, and additional printed resources related to their needs. The care plan will become an integrated component in their overall care in addition to allowing patients to partner in their care. Furthermore, it will assist other providers so that…show more content… The policy was developed to aid in preventing recurrence and secondary cancers when possible, support the appropriate disease management through surveillance and follow up care, abating preventable pain, disability and psychological distress for those living with cancers and survivors, and facilitating patients’ access to resources related to their disease. Additionally, it gives other providers a guideline of what to look for and monitor after a patient is no longer being followed by their oncologist. For example, secondary cancers or ongoing tests. (CDC
