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Protocol for a self-management programme for breast cancer survivors

Protocol for a self-management programme for breast cancer survivors

The Client

Macmillan Cancer Support, UK Department of Health, NHS Improvement 

The Need

With increasing breast cancer survivorship, the need was identified for post-treatment support to psychologically, physically, and socially adjust to the ‘new normal.’

The Action

An evidence-based, 6-week co-tutor (nurse and cancer survivorship) group self-management programme was developed for breast cancer survivors. As part of implementation, a tutor training programme was also developed. Outcomes assessed to evaluate programme success included confidence, increased physical activity, healthier eating, feelings of gratitude and hope, enhanced quality of life, and more productive, collaborative healthcare utilisation.

The Outcome

The programme was trialled as part of the Birmingham East and North PCT Improvement Project and then rolled out nationally.

National Cancer Survivorship Project Manager

“The self-management programme developed for breast cancer survivors has been life-changing, according to feedback from patients and nurses. As such, the programme was modified for other cancer typologies, including lung, colorectal and prostate. Nicola’s health psychology background ensured the programme addressed true needs of patients while also ensuring we collected critical outcomes that would show the value of the programme and secure future investment in it.”

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The self-management programme developed for breast cancer survivors has been life-changing, according to feedback from patients and nurses. As such, the programme was modified for other cancer typologies, including lung, colorectal and prostate. Nicola’s health psychology background ensured the programme addressed true needs of patients while also ensuring we collected critical outcomes that would show the value of the programme and secure future investment in it.

The client

Macmillan Cancer Support, UK Department of Health, NHS Improvement
National Cancer Survivorship Project Manager

The need

With increasing breast cancer survivorship, the need was identified for post-treatment support to psychologically, physically, and socially adjust to the ‘new normal.’

The action

An evidence-based, 6-week co-tutor (nurse and cancer survivorship) group self-management programme was developed for breast cancer survivors. As part of implementation, a tutor training programme was also developed. Outcomes assessed to evaluate programme success included confidence, increased physical activity, healthier eating, feelings of gratitude and hope, enhanced quality of life, and more productive, collaborative healthcare utilisation.
The programme was trialled as part of the Birmingham East and North PCT Improvement Project and then rolled out nationally.

The outcome