Cancer Services in Victoria

Supportive care

What is supportive care?

Supportive care is an umbrella term used to refer to services which may be required by those affected by cancer.  It includes self-help and support, information, psychological support, symptom control, social support, rehabilitation, spiritual support, palliative care and bereavement care. Supportive care in cancer refers to the following five domains:

• physical needs
• psychological needs
• social needs
• information needs
• spiritual needs.

All members of the multidisciplinary team have a role in the provision of supportive care.  In addition, support from family, friends, support groups, volunteers and other community-based organisations make an important contribution to supportive care.

Improving supportive care in Victoria

The policy document,  Providing optimal cancer care - Supportive care policy for Victoria - May 2009 was developed in consultation with the ICS, consumers and other key stakeholders. 

• Identifying the supportive care needs of people affected by cancer.
• Capacity building for supportive care.
• Implementing supportive care screening into routine practice.
• Addressing supportive care needs – referral and linkages.

The ICS are critical for the successful implementation of the supportive care policy.  Implementation of the policy requires each ICS to establish a supportive care network to direct service improvement activities.  The ICS are also required to develop a three-year supportive care strategic plan that aligns with the ICS strategic plan and the policy. 

Melbourne University has developed a range of resources to assist Victorian service providers strengthen supportive care. This can be found at the Supportive Cancer Care Victoria website.

Supportive Care is one of the four identifed key priiority areas for reform including multidisciplinary care and reducing unwanted variation in practice. It is recognised that the four priority areas are integrally linked.

For further information please contact Spiridoula Galetakis, on Tel (03) 9096 2131 or email at spiridoula.galetakis@health.vic.gov.au