A pediatric oncology nursing outreach program.

Abstract

Purpose: A pediatric cancer diagnosis for a child and family is stressful and complex. The diagnosis impacts all areas of life including: emotions, finances, health, siblings, school, and work. Pediatric Interlink is an Ontario-based community nursing program that provides supportive care along the continuum of illness. They also practice within the hospital as members of the oncology team, bridging the gap between hospital and home. Interlink involvement eases access to much needed resources including financial supports. Method(s): Accordingly, 2007 and 2008 data was examined to reflect the various components of the Interlink role, including home visits, school visits, hospital follow-ups, and telephone consultation. Data continues to be collected by each Interlink Nurse on a monthly basis and submitted to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) database. Result(s): From January 2007 to December 2008, a total of 9 Interlink Community Cancer Nurses provided care to a total of 657 patients and their families. This care comprised of, but not limited to, home visits (n=1311), school visits (n=1110), hospital follow-up (n=11775). Home visits included initial visits, follow-up visits, sibling visits, and palliative care visits. School visits educate faculty and classmates and thereby facilitates school re-entry for the child with cancer. Conclusion(s): Based on the needs of the families as evidenced by the data, the Interlink Program continues to receive funding via the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care which has been secured via POGO. The data reinforces the comprehensive nature and value of the Interlink role. It is hoped that the in-home support component brings reassurance to families and helps in reducing anxiety and stress. This program continues to be expanded in the province of Ontario but could be further expandedwithin and outside Canada to assist with meeting the needs of families of children with cancer.