north east regional extra | April 28 - May 4, 2021
nemedia.com.au
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April 28 - May 4, 2021
World-first project trial underway By BELINDA HARRISON A WORLD-first study is being trialled at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre by The Border Medical Oncology Research Unit in conjunction with the La Trobe University John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research. Oncologist and project Leader, Dr Christopher Steer, said study participants of the ‘eriatric Oncology in the Instagram Era project were asked to supply four photos that best represented their identity, home environment, what’s important to them and their mode of transport. “We are aiming to improve the supportive care of cancer patients over 70 years of age,” Dr Steer explained. “We use the photos to learn who the patient is and then interview them about their priorities, barriers and amount of support available to them to help tailor a care management plan that best supports their individual needs. “Around 800 of the patients seen at Border Medical Oncology each year are over 70 years of age so the need for a multidisciplinary patientcentred type of care is extremely important. “I don’t believe this type of geriatric assessment has been done in oncology before but photos have become a really easy way of communicating and we want to use that as a way of getting to know our patients better and enhancing their supportive care,” Dr Steer added. “Research has shown that geriatric assessment makes supportive care more age-specific, improves communication about age-related concerns, reduces treatment toxicity and improves quality of life.” Last year, the Geriatric Oncology in the Instagram Era project received a $20,000 grant from the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund with half of that funding coming from the estate of cancer patient Lorraine Dick.
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◆ FACE OF THE PROJECT: Oncologist and project leader, Dr Christopher Steer. PHOTO: Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre
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