Assessment of Community Resources and Services for People with Cancer and their Families in New Brunswick: An Environmental Scan

by Emma Lynch, Danie A. Beaulieu, Dr. Shelley Doucet, Dr. Alison Luke, Dr. Julie Easley, Stephanie McIntosh Lawrence and Charlotte Schwarz

Abstract: Cancer is one of the most frequent diagnoses of chronic illnesses and the main cause of death among New Brunswickers. Supportive care services can help address the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs of those who have received a cancer diagnosis and their families. The availability of supportive care services can improve the quality of life, and lead to higher survival rates among cancer patients. The primary objective of this environmental scan is to identify supportive care programs and community resources currently available in New Brunswick. The environmental scan consisted of a review of grey literature for health and supportive care services for individuals with cancer, cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers in New Brunswick. A data extraction sheet was used to ensure we were extracting consistent information. Additional services were found after verifying services with oncology centres, cancer navigation program coordinators, and support groups. All services included were validated by contacting the organizations. Supportive care services were organized into active cancer support groups, active cancer general health services, and active cancer specific health services in New Brunswick. The service type, location of services, population targeted/eligibility, type of service, delivery method, and language of service are identified in the results. The environmental scan offers an overview of supportive care services available in New Brunswick. The results highlight that while some supportive care services are available in New Brunswick, they are often difficult to identify, and are not accessible to all. A gap in services exists, particularly for individuals who are no longer receiving cancer treatment, family members, and caregivers.