GOSPEL - Lymphoma

An estimated 6,400 Australians were diagnosed with Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019. Lymphoma has a good survival rate, leading to an increased demand for support for survivors.

Monitoring cancer progression, recurrence, surveillance for secondary or new primary cancer, and management of long-term bio-psycho-social effects from the diagnosis and treatment is required on an ongoing basis.

Current care is based on specialist models. This is a barrier for rural and regional patients and does not provide integrated care. A holistic approach is necessary to provide patient centred care.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing fewer community members into the hospital setting is an additional benefit of the model.

Goal 

To investigate the feasibility of a share-care model, including pharmacist, specialist cancer nurse, GP and haematologist.

It is hypothesised that incorporating these facets of care into the follow up of patients with lymphoma is an equally effective as well as cost-effective method of care while reducing the burden on acute care centres.

Aims

Using a phase II prospective, randomised controlled trial to test the feasibility of the GOSPEL 1 model of care. The GOSPEL 1 intervention is an integrated shared-care model providing holistic care beyond surveillance for disease return compared with usual specialist-led care for the follow up of patients with lymphoma.