Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal (Apr 2024)

Supportive care services in New Brunswick, Canada: An environmental scan

  • Charlotte Schwarz,
  • Alison Luke,
  • Lauren Renée Ashfield,
  • Julie Easley,
  • Stephanie McIntosh-Lawrence,
  • Danie Beaulieu,
  • Shelley Doucet

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5737/23688076342215
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 34, no. 2
pp. 215 – 222

Abstract

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Cancer diagnosis and treatment often have significant physical and psychological implications for both the survivor and their family/caregivers. Necessary services extend beyond medical treatment and include a variety of supportive care services (SCS) that address individuals’ physical, social, educational, and emotional needs. This study seeks to map the SCS available in the province of New Brunswick (NB), Canada, for cancer survivors, their families, and their caregivers. An environmental scan was conducted to assess current SCS available in NB. While some SCS exist in NB, they are not always easily accessible or identifiable, and gaps in services were prevalent. In particular, a gap in services was found for individuals who are no longer actively receiving cancer treatment, as well as for family members and caregivers.