The Adolescents & Young Adults Oncology (AYAO) Programme has already started running our clinical services which run complementary to their primary oncological care, and we are also in the process of validating our age-appropriate screening tool for this population.
We envision that a care coordinator could guide our young patients and their loved ones in navigating the comprehensive clinical and supportive services available at National Cancer Centre and SingHealth services and we will be able to measure improved outcomes in their distress levels.
The AYAO programme care coordinator aims to guide patients through the complexities of receiving cancer care from multiple specialists, provide support throughout their individualized cancer journey and is dedicated to making their healthcare journey much smoother.
In our setting, the dedicated care coordinator will form the core of the AYAO/YOWO programme as she/he will be the primary point of contact for the patient with his/her multi-disciplinary healthcare team. She/he will engage the patient upon first referral and subsequently facilitate the implementation of a dedicated care plan specific to patient’s care.
She/he will also be equipped with knowledge regarding the wide range of resources available at the centre, as well as the stakeholders of the AYAO/YOWO team. These resources include access to fertility specialists, psycho-oncology department support, outreach to young children, support groups as well as the availability of workshops specific to these patients.
The care coordinator formulates a care plan specific to individual patients and becomes his/her consistent companion journeying with him/her through treatment and follow-up. His/her role also becomes central in being a bridge between the medical team and patient/family to maintain compliance and communication channels.
Key Duties:
- Patient Care Coordination
Ensure seamless coordination and delivery of care services for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer, including scheduling appointments, coordinating consultations with specialists, and facilitating access to support services.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Treatment Plan Adherence
Monitor and track adherence to treatment plans for each patient, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate medical interventions, therapies, and medications as prescribed.
- Education and Advocacy
Develop & source for appropriate educational materials and programs aimed at guiding AYAs throughout their cancer journey, increasing awareness about cancer among adolescents and young adults, advocating for their unique needs within healthcare systems, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent cancer recurrence
- Data Management and Reporting
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records
- Psychosocial Support
Address the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, offering counseling, support groups, and other interventions to promote emotional well-being throughout the cancer journey.
- Administrative Support
Timely documentation of visits and consultations with patients on SCM.
Key Requirements:
- Diploma or Degree in Health Sciences, Medical Social Work, or any relevant field
- No prior working experience is required for this role, although it will be an added advantage.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Effectively bilingual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Possess good organizational skills and a strong interest in finding solutions and improving health outcomes for patients.
- Strong understanding of adolescent and young adult development and the psychosocial impact of cancer.
- Independent, team player, pro-active, and self-motivated.
- Have good time management skills and can work under pressure.
- Ability to address sensitive topics and provide compassionate care.
- Familiar with oncological jargon and able to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary team when needed.
