Cancer care coordinators usually work within primary care. They support specific groups of patients throughout the cancer treatment pathway, from prevention and screening to end of life care.
They work closely with GPs and other primary care professionals, providing capacity and expertise to support patients in a variety of different ways.
The focus of their role is the delivery of personalised care and support, particularly for at-risk groups or patients who are at risk of health inequalities. This may include:
- increasing screening uptake by identifying low participation groups and making contact to provide information and support
- identifying at risk populations, for example obesity or smoking, and providing preventative advice or signposting to services
- safety-netting by monitoring attendance and arranging follow-up appointments
- promoting early diagnosis by monitoring referrals and helping patients to navigate the care system before diagnosis
- linking to members of the MDT within acute trusts
- preparing patients for cancer care reviews
- helping to maintain the palliative care register
- helping patients to prepare for conversations with clinicians.
Watch the video to find out more about the role of a cancer care coordinator.
