You don't need to work in a specialist cancer service to support people affected by cancer.
People affected by cancer interact with many different health and care professionals before, during and after treatment. Whether you work in primary care, community services, mental health, urgent and emergency care, rehabilitation, inpatient wards, outpatient settings, or social care, you are likely to support someone who is living with cancer or the consequences of cancer treatment.
ACCEND recognises that cancer knowledge is not only important for those working in specialist cancer roles. The framework helps all healthcare professionals understand the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to provide safe, effective and person-centred care to people affected by cancer.
Many patients spend more time receiving care outside specialist cancer services than within them. The support you provide can have a significant impact on a person's experience, wellbeing and outcomes. ACCEND can help you:
Recognise common cancer pathways, treatment side effects and the needs of people living with and beyond cancer.
Support Provide personalised, person-centred support that takes account of physical, emotional, practical and social needs.
Refer Know when concerns require escalation and understand how to access specialist cancer services and support.
Signpost Help patients, families and carers find appropriate information, community support, wellbeing services and financial advice.
Communicate Develop confidence in discussing cancer-related issues and supporting difficult conversations with sensitivity and compassion.
Understand Your Role Recognise where your role fits within the wider cancer pathway and how you can contribute to improving patient outcomes and experiences.
Most healthcare professionals working outside specialist cancer services will find that their cancer-related learning aligns to one of the following ACCEND levels:
Supportive/Assistive: Relevant for healthcare support workers, therapy assistants, care navigators, social care staff and other non-registered members of the workforce who may support people affected by cancer as part of their role. At this level, the focus is on developing a general understanding of cancer, recognising when additional support is required, and helping people access the services they need.
Registration Level : Typically relevant for all registered healthcare professionals, such as nurses, AHPs, healthcare scientists, pharmacists and other registered practitioners working outside specialist cancer services.
At this level, the focus is on delivering personalised care, understanding the wider cancer pathway, recognising complications and late effects, and knowing when to refer or escalate concerns.
If you're still not sure, you can always use the ACE Level Checker.
Before exploring the wider ACCEND framework, we recommend completing Foundations of Cancer Care.
This e-learning provides an introduction to:
The programme has been designed to help non-specialist staff build confidence and develop a consistent understanding of cancer care, regardless of your professional background.
"Having been on the other side of cancer with my mum, it gave me a different perspective of a patient’s journey and the spectrum of people who are involved to provide support before, during and after. The course put the whole picture together for me, allowing me to give the best holistic care and signposting to others, as we gratefully received as a family during our own journey."
- Alison, Clincal Support Worker
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