Implementation of a Support Care Unit in Oncology: Reflection and a Proposal

A group of 19 health professionals involved in supportive care suggest some reflections for organization, setting-up and evaluation of supportive care in institutions and health regions. The proposed organization must be applicable to any cancer patient at the point of care, whatever her age, or the stage of the disease; in future, it must be applicable to any patient with serious chronic illness. This organization must allow a better accompaniment and global care of patients and their relatives through precise and regular analyses of their needs and respect for the continuity of care and by implementing collaborations and transversality of care. This is not a new medical speciality but a coordination of competencies for patients and their families.