A quality improvement project to optimize access to psychosocial care for cancer survivors who experience fear of recurrence.

Background: The prevalence of moderate to high levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors may vary from 22% to 87%, although most are not usually referred to psychosocial support. The After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic in Women's College Hospital (Toronto) provides follow-up care to cancer survivors but in a sample of 2893 patients seen April 2019 to March 2022, only 1.5% were referred to a social worker for psychosocial needs.

Outcomes of Early Transition of Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Patients from Specialist to Primary Care.

Background: Recently published clinical pathways for management of thyroid cancer outlined the criteria for transitioning low-risk patients to primary care within one to five years from diagnosis. However, discharge patterns among endocrinologists remain heterogeneous as there lacks a consensus regarding post-treatment care for thyroid cancer patients.

Objective: This study described general characteristics and outcomes of thyroid cancer patients who were discharged from specialist care and transitioned to a primary care-based follow-up clinic.

An examination of depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence among cancer survivors who participated in a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based telephone coaching program.

Background: Depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence (FOR) are prevalent among cancer survivors, and it is recommended that they have access to supportive services and resources to address psychosocial needs during follow-up care. This study examined the impact of a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based telephone coaching program (BounceBack®) on depression, anxiety, and FOR.

Method: Through the After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic at the Women's College Hospital (Toronto, Canada), eligible participants were identified, consented, and referred to the BounceBack® program.

The development and implementation of the After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) Program for survivors of cancer.

Background: The After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) program at Women's College Hospital (Toronto) is a transitional follow-up program for patients, their families, and healthcare providers to address the broad range of post-cancer treatment and survivorship needs. This publication describes the systematic development and implementation of the ACTT program, with a focus on the advanced practice nursing (APN) role.

Program Development: ACTT development required the collaboration of an APN, a general practitioner in oncology (GPO), and an inter-professional team.