In 2010, BSWRICS piloted a Cancer Link Nurse (CLN) Project to improve care coordination and the subsequent experience for cancer patients in our region. The model targets the 800 people diagnosed with cancer that live in the South West. Previous research has identified that treatment pathways for this group are complicated by large travelling distances and the involvement of multiple health services in care. The model of care encompasses a network of five specialist cancer nurses working across the Barwon South Western Region. The roles transcend sector boundaries with most nurses based in community settings and utilising both acute and community referral pathways. An evaluation of the Cancer Link Nurse (CLN) Program was undertaken to assess the impact of the CLN Program in order to understand the outcomes it is achieving and inform decisions about its future.
The evaluation is based on an analysis of data retrieved from the CanMap database, questionnaires to health services managers, clinicians and services providers, patients and carers, and the five (5) Cancer Link Nurses employed by the Program. A cost analysis was also undertaken.
An analysis of ‘reach’ of the Program in 2011 found that 42% of the target population was seen by a CLN. Of the 337 new patients seen by the network, 222 of these were seen by more than one CLN with a total of 559 new patient contacts. Males were under represented in the patients accessing the service compared to incidence.
The key findings of the evaluation included enhanced continuity of care, improved communication links between clinicians involved in cancer care, improved access to cancer services closer to home, reduced patient travel, enhanced health services’ capacity for cancer care support and improved patients’ sense of assurance and wellbeing.