Activities
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 working group.
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
Aim: To address the need for comprehensive long term follow-up care for survivors of childhood cancer
Actions: The unique issues associated with survivors of childhood cancer requires special attention. In partnership with BC Cancer Agency, a Late Effects, Assessment & Follow-Up (LEAF) Clinic has been established in July 2016 for adults who have survived childhood cancer. Please visit the LEAF clinic website for further information. Long Term Follow-up Guidelines
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 Regional Conferences, 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 <ppchen@cw.bc.ca> or tel (604) 875-2345 ext 7435. Community based levels of care (under review) Chemotherapy Administration Competencies for Community Pediatric Nurses (rev Sept 2014) Family Practice Oncology Network GPO Training Program at BC Cancer Agency
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. 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. Pediatric Care Norms of Practice Pediatric Palliative Care Flowsheet
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.
0.5 FTE Medical Consultant (since 2002) 0.5 FTE Network Coordinator (since 2003)
