The Monash CCC adolescent model of care includes:
- Formal adoption of an agreed philosophy of adolescent cancer care
- Public promotion of key aspects of adolescent cancer care
- Exploring opportunities for partnerships that promote collaboration with
adult cancer care providers and support patient transitions
- Implementation of an adolescent clinic with themed psychosocial
education opportunities
- Research into specific needs of AYA patients; research directed towards
a personalised medicine approach for specific AYA cancers
The AYA clinic at the Monash CCC is held monthly with the following
key aims:
- To provide an age appropriate environment where young people can
attend appointments and receive treatment with other young people
- To provide age appropriate activities and opportunities for socialisation
- To promote principles of adolescent care, such as time alone, during
medical consultations
- To provide targeted psychosocial information and education
The clinic is structured with monthly psychosocial themes that are facilitated
by the multidisciplinary Monash CCC team. Clinic themes are varied, with
internal and external guest speakers and include topics such as education
and careers; nutrition and exercise; body image; socialisation and social
media, and, drugs and alcohol. The clinic is led by a dedicated group of
Monash CCC staff who aim to ensure each clinic is well balanced with
relevant psychosocial information, any treatment/appointments, fun and
engaging activities and an opportunity for young cancer patients to meet
together in a supportive environment.
The Monash CCC is pleased to be a partner with the Ricky Taylor Foundation
to support the AYA clinic in 2016. Funding from the Ricky Taylor Foundation
ensures that specialised staff can attend the clinic to facilitate a
comprehensive psychosocial education program for the adolescents and
young adults that receive care at the Monash CCC.
