Authors (including presenting author) :
Social worker from Cancer Patient Resource Centre
Affiliation :
Cancer Patient Resource Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Most of the newly diagnosed cancer patients are almost universally disorienting and anxious. Early intervention and education are essential to enhance the psychosocial status and social adjustment in cancer patients. The outbreak of Covid-19 leads to the suspension of face-to-face educational talks and direct psychosocial support in hospital, which makes cancer patients more frustrated. To keep service’s stability and ongoing support to cancer patients, Cancer Patient Resource Centre (CPRC) launches a trial of using “Zoom Cloud Meetings”, an online platform, to deliver educational talks and psychosocial services.
Objectives :
1. To provide ongoing support to cancer patients and carers by using an online platform.
2. To empower cancer patients and carers with information, resources and new technology usage.
Methodology :
Three different types of online support services are arranged: educational talks, relaxation workshops and online peer sharing sessions. Social worker plays specific cancer education videos in talks and nurse from Clinical Oncology will deliver a Q&A session to strengthen the understanding of participants. Social worker teaches relaxation skills and practice with participants through online camera which could help patients to reduce stress and anxiety from cancer. Peer shares experience is a valuable resource which assist patient to adjust and cope effectively with cancer. Volunteers from self-help group are invited to share their coping strategies and self-care skills with participants so that both volunteers and participants can gain mutual support and understanding from the program.
Result & Outcome :
Post activity satisfaction surveys were collected.
(N= 224; Response rate: 39.3%).
>89% participants agreed the installation and usage of online application are easy to handle.
>94% participants agreed the educational talks can enhance their understanding on cancer treatment.
100% participants agreed relaxation workshops can make them feel relax and will keep practicing the relaxation exercises.
100% participants agreed peer sharing could reduce their worries on recurrence and gain support from peers, “感謝中心提
供機會讓義工與我分享，使我得到支持”.
Volunteers reflect that online platform is useful and convenient for communication with peers.
