Wednesday, 3 December 2014

This symposium will draw from Phase 1 and Phase 2 research conducted at a metropolitan cancer centre. Using the vignette technique and mixed method research, it involved close to one hundred cancer patients and their caregivers to understand and develop a cancer specific ACP intervention. It will highlight the need for a patient and family-centered approach to ACP and include recommendations from involved participants on future models of implementation.

Using experiential data, we will specifically discuss complexities related to the iterative process of decision making that evolves in cancer patients and the need for professionals working in cancer care to be attuned to the widely varied reactions they may encounter. We will also critically appraise the use of the vignette technique as a communication approach to facilitate difficult ACP conversations.

Since the Institute of Medicine published the seminal report, “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition” in 2005, tremendous strides have been made in developing models of care with attention to the services needed by this growing population. Key to the development and implementation of these clinical care models is the profession of nursing. This session will include a presentation of the unique and important roles for nurses. The range of services – from psychosocial counselling services to comprehensive independent practices- that are being instituted by nurses will be discussed with attention to the variety of care settings across countries. The session will include time to share and compare nursing roles in survivorship care between the United States and Australia.

On behalf of Australia's Psycho-oncology Co-operative Early Career Research Group we would like to invite you to a special breakfast. Our vision for this event is to provide early career researchers working in psycho-oncology and related areas with an opportunity to have a highly interactive question and answer session with speakers who will address developing your research profile using social media, career progression and being competitive for grants and fellowships. Come prepared with your questions. As early career researchers we all face high levels of competition whether it be for securing employment, or gaining that first grant as chief investigator.

VOYCE (YerVOY Clinical nEtwork) is a clinical network and educational program designed to support medical oncologists and nurses in the safe and appropriate use of YERVOY® (ipilimumab). The cornerstone of VOYCE is peer-to-peer connectivity, and components include peer advisors, case-studies, and preceptorships. This session will explain how VOYCE may benefit both medical oncologists and nurses in their management of patients with metastatic melanoma on YERVOY treatment. Exploring the important collaborative relationship between the medical oncologist and nurse, representative experienced speakers will present case-studies demonstrating their concerted approaches to managing patients on YERVOY treatment. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive case-studies to learn about the efficacy and safety considerations of YERVOY. Join the conversation with VOYCE at COSA ASM 2014!