Establishing a general medical outpatient clinic for cancer survivors in a public city hospital setting

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Many cancer centers and community hospitals are developing novel models of survivorship care. However, few are specifically focused on services for socio-economically disadvantaged cancer survivors. AIMS: To describe a new model of survivorship care serving culturally diverse, urban adult cancer patients and to present findings from a feasibility evaluation. SETTING: Adult cancer patients treated at a public city hospital cancer center. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The clinic provides comprehensive medical and psychosocial services for patients within a public hospital cancer center where they receive their oncology care. PROGRAM EVALUATION: Longitudinal data collected over a 3-year period were used to describe patient demographics, patient needs, and services delivered. Since inception, 410 cancer patients have been served. Demand for services has grown steadily. Hypertension was the most frequent comorbid condition treated. Pain, depression, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and bowel dysfunction were the most common post-treatment problems experienced by the patients. Financial counseling was an important patient resource. DISCUSSION: This new clinical service has been well-integrated into its public urban hospital setting and constitutes an innovative model of health-care delivery for socio-economically challenged, culturally diverse adult cancer survivors. © 2009 Society of General Internal Medicine.