Users' perceptions of interprofessional collaborative care during their cancer journeys'.

Purpose: The study aimed to construct narratives of journeys that cancer patients and their families experience and to investigate participants' perceptions of related interagency collaboration spanning any engagements with the National Health Service (NHS); social services; local authority; voluntary; private and independent sectors. Methods: Using a qualitative design and focus groups the key facets of integrated care were explored with clients from a charity that focussed on cancer care. The 'talking wall' approach was adapted for use in the focus groups. Framework analysis was used to extrapolate the key themes. Results: Focus groups with 44 volunteers were conducted. Data included visual representations; textual comments and researcher reflections. The findings highlighted that the care received by many of the volunteers was variable with reports of very satisfactory experiences and also poor experiences. Respondents expected collaborative care and only in its absence was there cognisance of its importance in streamlining services for their care journeys. The role for the voluntary and independent sectors was significant. Conclusions and Implications for cancer survivors: Effective interprofessional collaboration was perceived to ease the pain of the cancer journey. The different yet interlocking interventions and support from statutory and voluntary agencies is clearly a holistic approach that is appreciated by the patient. Care management for cancer patients is complex in its nature necessitating professionals to work across organisational boundaries and achieve the best outcomes for long term care management. When professionals do not do this effectively cancer survivors and their carers are often left to 'join up' the services themselves and there is greater reliance on voluntary organisations.