Aims:
A multidisciplinary project team was formed within Princess Alexandra Hospital Cancer Services in September 2014 with the key purpose of partnering with patients and carers to innovatively work towards creating a more therapeutic cancer care environment.
Methods:
A review of research literature regarding what contributes to a therapeutic environment for cancer patients was conducted. Graffiti boards were erected in various environments within Cancer Services (i.e. outpatient waiting room, inpatient ward) and anecdotal interviews were conducted with outpatients and carers across all outpatient clinics and with inpatients on the haematology/oncology ward. The graffiti boards remain a permanent fixture throughout the Division of Cancer Services to provide continual opportunity for patient and carer feedback.
Results:
Part A of the project was the completion of a literature review and the forming of a unique multidisciplinary project team which consists of members of nursing, medical, allied health, administration and operational staff. Qualitative interviews with patients and carers across the inpatient and outpatient settings were then completed, along with the implementation of graffiti boards. Key themes that arose from this data included: desiring an environment that was less clinical and allowed a sense of escapism and distraction from their cancer treatment and fear of missing their appointment being called due to environmental barriers.
Part B is the implementation of various strategies by the multidisciplinary team, which directly address the patient and carer feedback in Part A. Key strategies of the project to date include: implementation of volunteer roles to facilitate the outpatient waiting room, creating a waiting room that provides a sense of escapism through pictures, props and provision of recreation activities, and installation of landscape curtains within the inpatient ward. Patients and carers remain continuously involved in this process by reviewing decisions and shaping future directions.
Conclusions:
Forming a multidisciplinary team which partners directly with patients and carers for continuos feedback, direction and innovation has been a successful initiative for creating a more therapeutic cancer care environment.