Dr Matt Mason presenting his Pay It Forward findings at COSA, 2025
Dr Matt Mason at ANZHNCS ASM, 2025
Supporting clinicians with bringing their research ideas to life
One project GenesisCare is proud to support is the Pay It Forward initiative. This is a novel anonymous peer-to peer support system implemented for individuals with head and neck cancer receiving treatment at Gateshead, NSW. Conceived and developed by Dr Matt Mason, Radiation Oncologist, this has been part of his routine practice since 2022. He developed this as he felt that whilst the physical side effects of head and neck treatment are often substantial, additionally there can be significant psychological and emotional challenges.
GenesisCare is committed to fostering a vibrant research culture by supporting investigators throughout the process of developing and conducting their own studies within the organisation. By providing access to resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities, GenesisCare empowers clinicians and researchers to pursue innovative projects that improve patient experience and outcomes. This supportive environment not only encourages original research but also ensures that new insights are rapidly translated into clinical practice for the benefit of patients and the wider healthcare community.
Within the initiative, during chemoradiotherapy, a handwritten card of support is provided to patients at the time when side effects are increasing. These cards carry words of strength, solidarity, and empathy. Following completion of treatment and a period of recovery, patients are then invited to write their own card as if to themselves in the past. This is then passed on to help a future patient. Matt approached the research team with his idea about assessing the potential benefits of Pay It Forward in 2023. While he had support of academic collaborators, he needed resources and guidance navigating ethics and governance processes and practical advice to execute his project, which GenesisCare Research was pleased to provide.
Matt has recently presented initial findings from his project at several meetings with positive feedback received. He is currently completing secondary interviews for the project with carers to understand their perceptions of the initiative. He is also looking forward to planning a future larger study to evaluate the Pay It Forward initiative which may include patients with other types of cancer at additional sites both within and outside of the GenesisCare network.
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