1. The Australian comprehensive cancer network: a framework for networked, patient centred comprehensive cancer care.
- Author
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Meredyth, David, Joshi, Abhishek, Chaji, Daniel, Austen, Melissa, Lambert, Adam, Der Vartanian, Carolyn, Howlett, Claire, and Keefe, Dorothy
- Subjects
HEALTH services accessibility ,CANCER patient medical care ,CONFERENCES & conventions ,PATIENT-centered care ,QUALITY assurance ,INTEGRATED health care delivery - Abstract
Introduction Comprehensive cancer care improves patient experience and outcomes through the provision of coordinated, optimal cancer care across the continuum. Aims There is an opportunity to improve equitable access to comprehensive cancer care through the establishment of a fully integrated and inclusive Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN). Methodology Stakeholder feedback during the development of the Australian Cancer Plan identified networked comprehensive cancer care as a national priority. Cancer Australia used this feedback to develop a Framework to guide the network's development and establishment in consultation with sector representatives. Results The ACCN Framework outlines critical elements for the ACCN, including principles of networked comprehensive cancer care and standards of excellence for participating services. A key principle of the ACCN is improving access for all Australians to person-centred, evidence-driven, comprehensive cancer care, regardless of who they are or where they live. To do this, Comprehensive Cancer Centres will act as anchor points in the ACCN, connecting with patients and regional services across the cancer care continuum, both within and between jurisdictions. Standards for the ACCN include delivering optimal, culturally safe cancer care with seamless patient navigation; delivering research excellence; driving service improvements and better cancer outcomes through data; fostering a capable, future focused cancer workforce; and facilitating connectivity and sharing of expertise. The ACCN will also support implementation of other strategic priorities in the Australian Cancer Plan including the Optimal Care Pathways Framework and National Cancer Data Framework. Conclusions The principles of networked comprehensive cancer care and standards of excellence outlined in the ACCN Framework are critical to establish a network committed to delivering equitable access to worldclass comprehensive cancer care. This is so that every patient in Australia is linked to the best evidence-driven prevention, research, diagnostics, treatment, and supportive care for their cancer, as close to home as safely possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024