Background

The Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) are a framework for the delivery of consistent, safe, high-quality and evidence­based care for people with cancer. They are not guidelines but standards of care. The potential for measurement of patient movement along the pathway is considerable using currently available data collections.   An evaluation survey of the initial 2006 version of the OCPs showed they were successful in engaging health care providers; supported the introduction of tumour groups and multidisciplinary teams; and were a tool for auditing cancer services and identifying quality improvement projects.

Objectives

The Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) has been appointed by the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services to review the initial OCPs to:

• ensure OCPs reflect current best practice and continue to support the delivery of optimal care at critical points throughout the patient journey

• expand the scope to reflect emerging areas of practice

• develop consumer friendly versions to assist patient and carers navigate the care pathway and quick reference guides designed for use by General Practitioners (GPs)

• Obtain National consensus via the AHMAC funded National Cancer Expert Reference Group and Cancer Australia

Method

Multidisciplinary expert working groups for each tumour stream meet to review and agree the content for each pathway.  This is followed by waves of public consultation, key stakeholder review and consultation with relevant Colleges and peak organisations, before final publication.

Results

15 OCPs with consumer versions, and quick reference guides for GPs is planned by project close (December 2015). OCPs are published online as they are developed and publicised to key stakeholders and at key events. An implementation plan to guide their dissemination and use has been developed along with an evaluation strategy.

The new OCPs are intended to be adopted nationally.