Date of Award
4-2019
Degree Name
Nursing (D.N.P.)
Department
College of Nursing
First Advisor
Diane Conrad, DNP, FNP-BC
Second Advisor
Robert Johnson, MD, M. Ed
Third Advisor
Tanya Rowerdink, DNP, RN, NP-C, CCD
Abstract
Improvements in cancer treatment have led to a rapidly increasing survivor population. In response, multiple side effects of cancer and cancer treatment as well as the various wellness needs of survivors have been recognized. Survivorship programs have been developed to care for survivors with residual effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment; however, additional support is needed. The purpose of the project was to highlight the need for a comprehensive supportive services program for the cancer survivor population and describe the steps that were required to successfully develop the program. The clinical question addressed by the project was: What is an evidence-based, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable program that delivers supportive services to cancer survivors in a private oncology practice? The objective of the project was to develop a supportive services program toolkit and gain implementation approval from the organization’s manager and director of multispecialty services. The objective was completed using an organizational assessment of a private oncology practice, the application of the Health Promotion Model, Kotter’s Eight-Step Process for Leading Change, and the implementation of evidence-based practice into the program toolkit. The project outcome was an evidence-based, supportive services program toolkit, composed of multiple wellness initiatives, which was accepted and implemented into practice by the organization. After implementation, sustainability of the program will be ensured through well-developed, evidence-based evaluation and sustainability plans. Practice implications include increasing revenue through performance-based payments, recognizing the practice as a leader in oncology care, and improving the quality of life of cancer survivors.
ScholarWorks Citation
Ellul, Joseph, "Developing an Evidence-Based Supportive Services Program for Cancer Survivors in a Private Oncology Practice" (2019). Doctoral Projects. 74.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/kcon_doctoralprojects/74
