Interim Report One and Two: Evaluation of the Cancer Psychological and Social Support Initiative

These two interim reports provides preliminary findings of the Cancer Psychological and Social Support Initiative (the Initiative) evaluation from July 2016 to December 2017 and then until June 2018.

The purpose of the evaluation is to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of the Initiative, including:

• whether the Initiative is meeting population needs, including the needs of vulnerable populations
• determining the impact of the Initiative and the impact that roles have on patient outcomes
• identify whether the needs of Māori and Pacific peoples with cancer are being met by these new roles
• identifying service improvements and recommending changes that could improve the overall outcomes of the Initiative.

Preliminary findings of both reports indicate that it is a highly valuable service for patients because they are better able to understand, and therefore mentally prepare for and manage their cancer treatment, which enables them to attend and remain in treatment.