Poster Presentation Inaugural Victorian Integrated Cancer Services Conference 2013

Cancer Care Coordinators: A synthesis of the literature to inform cancer control advocacy (#94)

Patsy Yates 1 , Danette Langbecker 1 , Rachel Whiffen 2
  1. Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
  2. Cancer Council Victoria, Carlton, VIC, Australia

With the completion of the Victorian Cancer Action Plan at the end of 2011, Cancer Council Victoria’s Clinical Network undertook the development of an Agenda for Cancer Control that identified priorities for improved cancer control in Victoria. The intent is that these priorities will inform the development of the next Cancer Action Plan in Victoria.  Increasing access to Cancer Care Coordinators is one of the five priorities in the Agenda for Cancer Control.  The Clinical Network has commissioned a literature review is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the various models of implementation and integration of the Cancer Care Coordinator role and its impact on the delivery of cancer care. The literature review will include a synthesis of the published and grey literature relating to Cancer Care Coordinators. The review will consider the various models of implementation of the Cancer Care Coordinator role within cancer services and the pros and cons of each model (national and international models); the impact of this role from a patient perspective, clinician perspective, and perspective of those working in this role where available; enablers and barriers to the integration of this role into standard cancer care; and the impact of this role on service delivery and patient care/patient outcomes.  Based on the findings from the review, a series of recommendations will be developed for further research and policy development relating to the establishment of Cancer Care Coordinators in cancer services. The recommendations will be set out in order of priority. This will be developed in collaboration with project partners.  The findings will be used to inform the Clinical Network’s and other stakeholders’ ongoing advocacy relating to patient access to Cancer Care Coordinators.  An overview of the emerging key themes will be presented at the conference.