Developing and Ambulatory Model of Cancer Care for Teenagers and Young Adults.

Background: the project took place in a regional cancer service for teenagers and young adults (TYA) aged, 13-24 years. Chemotherapy that had traditionally been given in an inpatient setting was transformed into an ambulatory model.

Aim: to simultaneously capture learning and generate evidence for practice whilst developing this new model of care.

Methods: By working through cycles of planning, action, reflection/evaluation and re-planning, knowledge was constructed using appreciative inquiry within an action research framework.

Results: The ambulatory model of care is thriving as a popular option for TYA cancer patients to gain more control and freedom during cancer treatment. Through action research, the team have overcome issues in challenging team culture and change management. The hospital school have begun supporting patients’ continuing education, careers and social development within the ambulatory setting. Young patients and families have joined the project team to facilitate family centred service development. A new information video is being produced to help staff explain AC to new patients through their peers.

Conclusions: Ambulatory care offers a safe alternative to inpatient care in a wide range of TYA cancer treatment protocols.  By working together using participatory action research, the team developed an inclusive family centred service that is sensitive to individual families’ needs. The team continue to use action research cycles to learn and develop ambulatory care.