Congress Abstracts 2003

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THE REVISED I CAN COPE—A MODEL OF COLLABORATION. Donna MacDonald, RNC, BSN, OCN^®, CHPN, Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island, Lincoln, RI; and Kelly Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Moses Cone Health System Regional Cancer Center, Greensboro, NC.

The American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) I Can Cope has been providing factual, straightforward information and answers to cancer-related questions and recognizing the psychosocial needs of patients and their families since 1977. The I Can Cope program has been evaluated and revised several times since then (Bannon, C., 1998; Diekmann, J.M., 1988; McMillan, S.C., Tittle, M.B., Hill, D., 1993). The most recent results have led to a program that is more flexible and has a greater emphasis on collaborative efforts throughout all levels of the program. The updated I Can Cope offers a 16-hour and 8-hour program, as well as three 2-hour modules on pain, nutrition, and money matters. This program features the collaboration and flexibility that is so vital in today’s healthcare setting. Group members have the benefit of experiencing the entire healthcare team highlighted throughout the sessions. The ACS collaborates with hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, churches, etc., to cosponsor the program. In addition, the program was designed based on the collaborative work of many individuals, including financial counselors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and physicians. These collaborative efforts have led to high-quality programs, decreased facilitator burnout, and information that is accurate and timely.

This poster presentation will highlight the revised I Can Cope program and what it offers to providers and participants. It will focus on the many levels of collaboration; the numerous benefits to participants, facilitators, and cosponsoring agencies; and how easy I Can Cope can be incorporated into one’s own clinical practice.