Melanoma information and patient support services
Aim:
The aim of this study was to identify the extent, types and manner in which health-related information is provided to people at increased risk of melanoma and patients who have been diagnosed with this cancer.
A secondary aim was to facilitate access to existing information and support services by providing a web-based resource that can be utilised by consumers and health professionals.
If appropriate, findings from this study along with findings from the Melanoma Patterns of Care consumer survey will be used to inform the development of new materials.
Methods:
Two questionnaires were developed to investigate this topic. One was designed for health professionals most likely to be involved in the prevention and care of melanoma. This questionnaire assessed what information was being provided to patients by a range of health professionals on a routine basis; the timing of the provision of information, its format; and where appropriate, its consistency with recommendations from the latest clinical practice guidelines for melanoma. The second questionnaire was designed for cancer organizations, government departments and clinical colleges. It aimed to identify the resources organisations produce about melanoma, their methods for development, distribution and evaluation of resources, their policies for peer and patient review and any strategies used to encourage uptake of this information by health professionals or patients.
Status:
The first report on the provision of health care information about melanoma summarises the responses of GP's as they made up half of all respondents to the health professional survey. This report will be available online shortly.
A final report is currently being prepared regarding the information provision of other health professionals who participated in the study.
Existing melanoma information and support services as identified by organisations responding to the organisation survey have been listed on our Resources & Links page under Patient Resources and Support Services. This page provides a summary of melanoma information and services that can be accessed by patients, their families, carers and health professionals.
