The philosophy of the Kim Walters Choices Program (Choices) is to provide appropriate support and information to all women, men and their families affected by breast and gynaecological cancers with respect for their emotional, social and intellectual needs.

Utilising research evidence the goal of Choices is to reduce the impact of unmet psychosocial and psychological needs by providing optimum care with a holistic focus.  The full spectrum of information relating to surgery and treatments is covered with due consideration of those issues.

Choices recognizes that whilst clinical support and appropriate information are essential to the patient, so is the benefit of hearing about the lived experience when it is provided in an empathetic and experienced manner.  One of the strengths of Choices which distinguishes it from other support programs is its strong commitment to the value of expert peer support as part of the clinical team and deliberate strategies have been put in place acknowledging this and thus ensuring Choices offers a holistic model of care. 

Choices employs a Nurse Manager who is a specialist breast care nurse and women’s health nurse alongside a Peer Support Coordinator who has had a personal experience of cancer who work together in the development of all the support initiatives offered.  Its success exists around this partnership which has ensured Choices remains sustainable and client focused. 

This support is particularly pertinent at the time of diagnosis and accordingly a key aspect of the program is the ability of patients and their families to  access immediate information, clinical nursing and peer support and this crucial time.  Importantly, this support is accessible throughout the cancer journey with no time limits on when support is provided, sometimes from diagnosis to end of life.

Choices is not only unique in the Australian context but also worldwide.  There are few, if any, similar programs  offering at the same level a combination of clinical expertise, alongside peer support and varying holistic measures to improve well-being.  Integral to the program’s success has been the continual development and improvement of the services using total quality management and leadership principles.  The development of Choices has been based on and reflects the philosophy of providing a therapeutic environment that respects the needs of patients and significant others.