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Work plan

The steering committee has identified the key activities to support the Network’s main functions. This is a summary of the ongoing activities for each network function.

Relationship with Government


Aim:  To obtain recognition that the Network is the official advisor to the regional health authorities and the Ministry of Health on matters pertaining to pediatric cancer and allied hematological conditions

Care for Survivors


Aim:  To address the need for comprehensive long term follow-up care for survivors of childhood cancer

Actions:  The unique problem associated with survivors of childhood cancer requires special attention.  Proposals have been submitted to obtain funding to establish a provincially based adult surveillance program for childhood cancer survivors.  For further information about survivors of childhood cancer, please go to Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Community Care

 
Aim:  To support community hospitals and practitioners and develop a partnership with other health care facilities to enable integrated care to children and adolescents with cancer or blood disorders and their families throughout the province
 
Actions: 

Education & Communication:  The Network provides education opportunities for physicians and other health care professionals at the BC Cancer Agency Annual Conference, educational workshops at BC Children's Hospital and at various regional centres.  If there is an interest for such learning opportunities in your area, please contact Paulina Chen, tel (604) 875-2345 ext 7435, email ppchen@cw.c.ca.

Psychosocial Care:  The Network has activated a psychosocial working group to identify existing resources for children and adolescents with cancer or blood disorders and their families in the local communities and to address the gaps in service.
 
Palliative Care:  The palliation and end-of-life care working group assess care needs in communities, identify educational needs for professionals, address resource allocation, and identify areas of research.  Norms of practice and guidelines for palliation and end-of-life care have been developed.  For more information about palliative care at BC Children's please go to Palliative Care.

Pain and Symptom Management:  BC Children's Hospital offers an Advanced Symptom & Palliative Care service that assists children and families who are living with progressive, life-threatening diseases and the health care professionals caring for them. This service supports both inpatients and outpatients.

Cancer Control


Aim:  To develop and implement a comprehensive cancer control strategy for children and adolescents as part of the BC Cancer Agency cancer control strategy

Actions:
  • continue enhancement of the Pediatric Cancer Registry
  • obtain a comprehensive database for management, data collection, historical and projected analysis
  • reactivate pediatric tumour group

Research


Aim:  To further develop and enhance the research programs of basic, translational and clinical research that are world class and make a significant contribution to the global care of children and adolescents with cancer or blood disorders.
 
Actions:  The participation in clinical trials will continue to be a high priority. The Network will, in particular, seek to collaborate clinical and outcome research at Children’s and the BC Cancer Agency in AYA (Adolescent to Young Adults) to improve treatment outcomes.

Page reviewed August 2011