Evaluating the association between travel burden and effective cancer care on overall survival and quality of life with novel chemotherapy satellite site
Kyle Shafer
Erie Shores HealthCare
FUNDER: WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery Grant
DURATION: 2023-2024
The increasing prevalence of cancer diagnosis escalates the need for resources to provide ongoing therapies closer to home and better psychological support. Realizing this healthcare need, Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) in collaboration with the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program (ESCRCP) have implemented a satellite systemic clinic in Leamington, Ontario to provide chemotherapy treatment closer to home. Having a rural chemotherapy satellite site will allow for the analysis of patient's perception of their quality of life and care, and understand the benefits of having rural sites.
By identifying the benefits of having a rural healthcare location at the satellite site in Leamington, Ontario, this information can be generalized to other rural locations. Patients who obtain their chemotherapy treatment closer to home may optimize treamtent outcomes, minimizing or avoiding treatment delays due to travel time or travel restrictions, improve disease experience, enhance psychosocial and caregiver support, reduce unnecessary emergency visits and hospitalizations, improve caregiver quality of life and reduce burnout, and reduce patient psychosocial impact.
