Presentation 1: Redesigning new patient clinics
What happens when you apply an improvement science methodology to address barriers to timely access to care for patients newly referred to a busy regional cancer service? How might the concept of a dedicated new patient clinic function where oncologists work as a team, enabled by a cancer nurse coordinator (CNC), to streamline processes? The new patient clinics in the Cancer Services at Bendigo Health have increased the percentage of patients seen within the optimal care pathway timeframe for referral to first consultation, a greater proportion of patients have had their needs assessed by a CNC, and there has been an increase in the number of appropriate referrals to allied health and supportive care services.

Hear more about this important initiative from Dr Rob Blum, Clinical Director, Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, Bendigo Health.

Full abstract and bio available here

Presentation 2: A new Cancer Nurse Coordinator intake role provides early navigation support for new patients with solid tumours
In 2023, Bendigo Regional Cancer Service in 2023 appointed two part-time central intake CNCs to provide early access to navigation support for patients newly referred to the cancer centre. The CNC role includes screening and assessment of need, timely triage and patient work-up resulting in earlier referrals to supportive care services, and timely provision of navigation support for patients and their families at a difficult time. Implementation of the CNC role has reduced the amount of time oncologists spend triaging patients, has streamlined coordination of work-up, reduced rates of “did not attend” and time from referral to first appointment.

Hear more about the CNC role and its impact from Melissa Loorham, Development Manager, Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, Bendigo

Full abstract and bio available here