Maithili Raju

• MBBS
• Improving the effectiveness of written communication between paediatric oncologists, primary care and long-term survivors. A pilot study.

Although most children with cancer are now cured, later treatment related side effects are common. Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are often followed-up in hospital by the initially treating paediatric oncologists. Increasingly, the long-term management of survivors is being transferred to or shared with primary-care clinicians, who although skilled in cancer-survivor care in general, know less about the late-effects of treatment in CCS. Information to facilitate patient transfer is seldom evaluated. This project appraises examples of existing written communication, using key stakeholder feedback to guide the development of improved document templates that highlight the most relevant information, benefitting both CCS and clinicians.

Funding source: Newcastle University