Aim
To increase awareness of the benefits of self-managed pre-habilitation for pancreatic cancer patients through a Digital Model of Care.
Method
An online suite of pancreatic digital stories was developed to support and empower pancreatic patients in the absence of referral to allied services. The digital story is based on a patient narrative alongside clinician advice informing the viewer on important topics that commonly affect a pancreatic patient’s quality of life.
In the absence of allied services, the online suite helps self-manage common symptoms and highlights allied health’s role in optimising physical and psychological self-healing.
Digital Care model:
Results
There have been 246 page / 208 unique views of the videos between 11 March 2020- 1st Dec 2020.
Pancare nurse coordinator has referred N= 317 patients.
Patients report:
“I have been devouring information since being diagnosed & what I liked about these videos is that they showed me I was not alone in this – this person was telling me or showing me what worked for them and that gives me the push to do it myself” (Mrs S, patient 63yrs Vic)
“Being able to sit as a family & watch these videos made being a carer easier – I could say to Mum ‘exercise is good for you’ and she would give it a go because she’d seen other patients doing it and we’ve noticed an improvement in her energy, mood and diet” (Ms M, carer NSW)
Conclusion
The Optimal Care Pathway for people with pancreatic cancer is regarded as the predominant model of care in Australia. In the absence of referrals to supportive care services, the digital model of care supports people from the time of diagnosis to start of treatment.