Supportive care
Supportive care is an umbrella term used to describe services that may be required by people affected by cancer. It includes self-help and support, information, psychological support, symptom control, social support, rehabilitation, spiritual support, palliative care and bereavement care.1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undergoing cancer-related testing, treatment or care may have specific supportive care needs across the domains of hospital care, information and communication, physical and psychological needs, and practical and cultural needs.2,3 These supportive care needs should be assessed using a validated culturally specific screening tool, such as the Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous People (SCNAT-IP).
Data availability
There are currently no national data available for this indicator.
The NCCI has recommended measures in development for screening for psychosocial distress but no data are currently available for these measures and they are not specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Further Information
Cancer Australia. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework. Priority 5b: Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive best practice care.
Cancer Australia. Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer: Supportive care.
Menzies School of Health Research. The Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous People (SCNAT-IP).
References
1. Cancer Australia. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework. Surry Hills NSW: Cancer Australia, 2015.
2. Garvey G, Beesley VL, Janda M et al. The development of a supportive care needs assessment tool for Indigenous people with cancer. BMC Cancer 2012;12:300.
3. Garvey G, Beesley VL, Janda M et al. Psychometric properties of an Australian supportive care needs assessment tool for indigenous patients with cancer Cancer 2015; 121(17):3018–3026.