All.Can Patient Survey

42 Access to allied health professionals and complementary care was often perceived as inadequate by respondents. Almost a quarter of respondents ( 24% ) said they did not have access to support from allied health professionals . In qualitative findings, respondents commented that they would have liked to be told what role these different professionals or services could play in aiding their recovery. ‘It was difficult to find a physiotherapist. The importance of this [role in my recovery] was not explained.’ Respondent from France ‘They should actually involve additional specialists (i.e. dietitian, physiotherapist, psychologist) in the treatment of the patient from the moment of diagnosis. The content provided by all physicians should be consistent. I would avoid frightening a patient by focusing on how difficult and demanding their treatment is, and focus more on the goals to be achieved after treatment.’ Respondent from Poland Why it matters Having a cancer nurse specialist has been shown to improve outcomes for patients and reduce associated costs of care, due to: • reduction of symptoms 53 54 • improved patient knowledge and self-management 53 54 • improved management of chronic problems 54 • faster care pathways, allowing more patients to be seen 52 • reduced rates of emergency admissions and shorter hospital stays 54-56 • fewer follow-up appointments. 54 Data also suggest that this specialist role may bring overall savings to healthcare systems, with one report in the United Kingdom suggesting that introducing specialist nurses into the cancer care pathway could save about 10% of cancer expenditure. 52 3 | Integrated multidisciplinary care