The Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumour (Tele-MAST) initiative

Every day in Australia, six people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour. Individuals with brain tumour can experience high levels of stress and uncertainty as well as diverse symptoms such as fatigue, sensory loss, memory problems, language impairment and headaches. However, the psychological support needs of people with brain tumour have traditionally been often overlooked during and after treatment which can contribute to a sense of isolation and depression. The Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumour (Tele-MAST) initiative was developed by THC Research Director and clinical neuropsychologist Professor Tamara Ownsworth in collaboration with consumers and clinicians, including lived experience expert Julia Robertson.

Tele-MAST is a 10-session psychological support program delivered via videoconferencing which has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety and improve quality of life in people with brain tumour. A health economics analysis showed that the program also has the potential to ease the financial burden to the healthcare system.

 To find out more, see the team's recent open access publication.

Following 16 years of development, the Tele-MAST program aimed at improving quality of survivorship and psychological wellbeing, is now rolling out nationally.

Click here to see this project featured in Griffith News.