Terms of reference
Psychosocial care is a specialised part of cancer care that focuses on the social, emotional and spiritual issues of importance for people affected by cancer. It includes attention to quality-of-life and practical issues, throughout the cancer experience.
Mission
The Australian Psychosocial Oncology Society’s mission is to promote the psychosocial care of patients with cancer, their families and carers, to enhance the capacity of health professionals to deliver optimal psychosocial care, and to promote the timely translation of research into clinical practice.
Aims
- To provide a structure which links professionals with an interest in psychosocial care so that they can share expertise and information.
- To promote the importance of psychosocial care in improving quality of life and reducing distress of patients with cancer, their family members and carers.
- To engage with people affected by cancer and be responsive to their needs for psychosocial care.
- To advocate for resource allocation to ensure equitable and timely access to psychosocial care for all patients, their families and carers.
- To advise on education and training needs for health professionals working in the field of psychosocial oncology.
- To promote information about educational and training opportunities nationally and internationally.
- To promote the timely implementation of evidence-based best practice through specific strategies such as provision of clinical updates, mentoring and clinical supervision.
- To provide a link to national and international organisations which focus on psychosocial research, clinical care, and health professional education.
Chair: Haryana Dhillon
Join COSA now
Contact COSA for more information about this group.
Membership is open to all members of COSA who are interested in the psychosocial care of patients with cancer and their families. Health professionals providing clinical care are encouraged to join, as are educators, administrators and others interested in psychosocial care. The multidisciplinary nature of the group is considered a key strength, as it allows for members to seek information, support and guidance from others, and enhances collaborative projects. COSA membership comes with a range of member benefits.
Anyone who is a member of COSA and has an interest in the psychosocial care of patients with cancer and their families is welcome to contact the current Chair, Haryana Dhillon for further information.
To become a member of this group select the Psycho-oncology membership box on the COSA joining form. Current members can join this group by selecting the Psycho-oncology membership box in update profile in the members’ area.
