Optimal Cancer Care Pathways

1. Optimal Cancer Care Pathways [organisation]

2. What are they? • Optimal Cancer Care Pathways are national guides to the best cancer care for specific tumour types. • The pathways describe the key stages in a patient’s cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care, and expected optimal care at each stage to ensure all people diagnosed with cancer get the best care, regardless of where they live or have cancer treatment.

3. Key Stages in Pathway • Stage 1 • Prevention and early detection • Stage 2 Presentation, initial investigations and referral • Stage 3 Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning • Stage 4 Treatment • Stage 5 • Care after initial treatment and recovery • Stage 7 • End-of-life care • Stage 6 Managing recurrent, residual and metastatic disease Support: Access to supportive care needs, including survivorship, at every step of the pathway with referrals to appropriate health professionals or organisations

4. Underpinning Principals • Patient-centred care • Safe and quality care • Multidisciplinary care • Supportive care • Care coordination • Communication • Research and clinical trials

5. Three versions Patient ‘what to expect’ guides Quick reference guides for GPs Detailed clinical pathways

6. Developed for 15 cancer types

7. Development process • The Optimal Cancer Care Pathways were developed as part of a national work plan to improve cancer care across Australia led by the National Cancer Expert Reference Group (NCERG). • Each pathway was developed by an expert group including clinicians specialising in treatment of the particular tumour, GPs and consumers, and in consultation with medical colleges and peak health organisations.

8. Nationally endorsed • National Cancer Expert Reference Group • Cancer Australia • Cancer Council Australia

9. National adoption • Adoption of Optimal Cancer Care Pathways is being supported in all states and territories to ensure consistent, optimal cancer care across Australia. • The aim is to improve patient outcomes by facilitating consistent care across Australia using evidence-based, best practice pathways of care. • Patient treatment regimens will vary, but the principles and expectations of optimal cancer care are constant.

10. How can Optimal Cancer Care Pathways improve cancer care? • Service improvement • Best practice • Communication and coordination of care • Improve patient understanding

11. Why adopt Optimal Cancer Care Pathways? • We are committed to making sure every cancer patient in [the state/territory or region] gets the best patient-centred care and experience. • Using the Optimal Cancer Care Pathways will ensure our cancer services [and/or hospitals/health services, clinicians, health professionals]provide consistent and optimal treatment and supportive care at each stage of a patient’s cancer journey.

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