Observational StudyRectal Cancer Shared Care

Survivorship care will consist of:

1. Regular meetings with the rectal cancer oncology pivot nurse
2. Identification of a primary care physician
3. Development of an individualized survivorship plan
4. Educational resources for patients

The control arm will consist of patients treated at the same institution who are receiving standard of care. Standard of care consists of meeting with colorectal oncology pivot nurse as needed (i.e. by referral from specialist based on patient needs).

The survivorship initiative will consist of:

(A) Regular meetings with the rectal cancer oncology pivot nurse (IPO). These meetings present an opportunity for patients to discuss any treatment-related distress or late and long-term side-effect.

(B) Identification of a primary care physician. If the patient is not known to a Primary care physician (PCP), the IPO will add the patient to an accelerated waitlist.

(C) Development of an individualized survivorship plan. During meetings with the oncology pivot nurse, a survivorship care plan will be populated, included information on patient risk factors, treatments completed, pathology findings, and future surveillance planned. This document will be reviewed by the treating colorectal surgeon, and will be subsequently shared with the oncology team, the PCP and the patient (if the patient desires).

(D) Educational resources for patients. Patients will be offered educational materials to help address their specific needs.