Survivorship Care Planning
In 2006 the Institute of Medicine issued a report recommending that every cancer patient receive an individualized Survivorship Care Plan that includes guidelines for monitoring and maintaining their health. A Survivorship Care Plan is a coordinated, post-treatment plan for the cancer survivor, oncology team, primary care physician and other healthcare providers. Such Care Plans have been found to improve the quality of care of survivors as they move beyond their cancer treatment. MyMichigan Health has developed a process to provide Survivorship Care Plans to eligible cancer patients upon completion of their primary treatments.
Survivorship Care Plans include the following pertinent information:
- Contact information for the patient's care team
- A summary of the cancer diagnosis and treatments received
- Schedule for follow-up tests and surveillance
- Information on managing ongoing symptoms
- What to expect after treatment
Survivorship Care Plans are typically created by an oncology nurse or nurse navigator, in collaboration with the cancer survivor. They may also be completed by an oncologist, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant.
For more information about Survivorship Care Plans or specific Survivorship needs, contact Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator.
