Aim
Legal and financial issues are rarely experienced in isolation by people affected by cancer and commonly intersect with psychosocial, practical, and emotional concerns. People from regional and rural areas face additional barriers to access support including distance to and capacity of local services and technology. This poster describes how an integrated service model providing legal, financial and emotional support can alleviate barriers to accessing support, reducing legal and financial related stress, and improving wellbeing.
Method
Two outreach clinics were delivered in regional NSW, bringing together multidisciplinary professionals, including lawyers, financial advisers and oncology healthcare professionals to provide wrap around support to patients, carers and family members.
Result
The two clinics supported 41 people to access legal, financial, and emotional support services in one place. Participants received assistance to prepare Wills and substitute decision-making documents, access financial information and advice, receive short-term emotional support, and navigation to further services.
Evaluation findings evidenced the value and impact of the integrated care model. The evaluation found 100% of participants indicated a decrease in their concern severity, indicating that their needs were met. There was also strong evidence of wellbeing increasing in tandem with a reduction in severity of legal and financial needs. Participants at the clinic praised the streamlined processes, minimal wait times, and professionalism and empathy of the professionals.
The evaluation also found many participants reported a sense of relief, peace of mind and improved emotional wellbeing after attending the clinic, with one client stating “… it was such a relief getting my will sorted… this is 50% of the pressure gone… I’ve got peace of mind”.
Conclusion
Across both clinics, there is clear and consistent evidence that the holistic, one-stop-shop, integrated service delivery model can improve client’s wellbeing, decrease stress and concern, and meet their legal, financial and emotional needs.