The Financial Burden and Outcomes of Existing Oncological Care in Kamloops B.C. and Alternative Prophylactic Patient Engagement and Care Examination. A Breast Cancer Case Study. 

March 2020 – October 2021

Objective

The specific objectives of this study are as follows: To develop a model for a prophylactic patient engagement and care system using a literature review of relevant models and integrated with priorities via an environmental scan. To provide a cost analysis of the proposed model vis-à-vis the status quo, such as treating most post-therapy cases acutely in hospital, emergency room visits, admissions and associated treatments. We explore the perceptions, knowledge, practices, and experiences among women diagnosed and treated with breast cancer in the community. 

Summary

This project is community-oriented and participatory action research using a patient engagement in care model. An embedded case study using a mixed-methods design was used to assess relevant patient-oriented and patient-reported outcomes as a piece of essential information. The phases of the COPR were Phase 1: Conducting an environmental scan, a literature review, and collaborating with community stakeholder partners towards exploring women’s needs. Phase 2: Consultation with service providers, knowledge users, stakeholders and decision-makers to understand and analyze the situation and develop the Breast cancer care program based on practical and feasible strategies. Planning the community stakeholders participatory design, mentoring student research assistants and developing data collection methods. Phase 3: Determining the feasibility and sustainability of the breast cancer program, such as interventions, education, navigation, advocacy, and survivorship. Implementing the methodology framework, plan for recruiting participants, and communicating with stakeholders. Phase 4: Conducting data analysis, validating findings and triangulation with women participants and organizing the community stakeholder’s engagement workshops, sharing results, recommendations, and research reports. Outcome measures were validated, triangulated and used as evidence-informed supportive cancer care in consultations with stakeholders. The Research Ethics Board approved the study at Thompson Rivers University, Interior Health Authority and BC Cancer. The participants were informed about the study purpose, procedures and rights. Knowledge mobilization and translation is a critical phase of the community participatory approach. Research team members participated in ongoing dialogue to decide the best methods of communication with the most significant impact for participants. Knowledge mobilization initiatives were focused on sharing findings with multiple audiences’ community members, knowledge holders, and knowledge users to advance practical outcomes and increase understanding about the needs and concerns of cancer survivors in supporting them. Findings from this knowledge synthesis research were shared through interactive knowledge mobilization summits at local and regional community events in British Columbia.