Cancer in the Grampians Region
GICS works to improve cancer care systems and services. We act as a driver of change working in partnership with the community, public and private health services providers across the Grampians region.
Our region stretches from the South Australian border in the west, to Bacchus Marsh in the east and from Edenhope to Hopetoun in the north. The area covers almost 50,000 square kilometres and a population of almost 220,000 people and covers the local government areas of; Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, West Wimmera & Yarriambiack.
We're in the process of updating 'The Cancer in the Grampians Report' that outlines the data based on Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) notifications and Victorian Admitted Episode Data (VAED) for people who reside in the Grampians region. Population data has been accessed from the Australian Census website. We will have an updated report available here shortly.
Current Work
Implementing Telehealth into the Medical Oncology Model of Cancer Care
Project Lead: Kirsten Ives
GICS is supporting the implementation of a sustainable telehealth model for medical oncology to ensure the needs of the healthcare system, healthcare professionals and patients are being considered and met where possible.
Project achievements so far include:
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establishing a telehealth working group consisting of members from Medical Oncology Outpatients, BRICC
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organising telehealth training and support for administrative officers and clinicians
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developing in collaboration with BRICC, the resources 'Telehealth Clinical Guidelines: Patient selection for oncology consults'
Symptom Tracking & Patient Reported Outcomes
Project Lead: Glenn Reeves
Symptom management research has demonstrated the effectiveness of Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) using mobile technologies to stay in touch with patients.
Community Based Psycho-Oncology Services
Project Lead: Kirsten Ives
Undetected or under treated depression is associated with reduced quality of life.
A successful pilot program investigated the feasibility of a collaborative care model of caring for cancer patients with depression.
Strategic Intentions
Post COVID Surge Planning
Project Lead: Sharon Daly
In 2020 GICS undertook a comparison of regional cancer presentations during the pre and post COVID-19 periods of January to June 2019 and 2020. This work was extended to capture the July to December period and we have summarised our findings; COVID-19 Surge Planning Data.
Planning
Cancer Service Performance Audits
GICS undertakes the audits and reports on four indicators that document evidence of:
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multidisciplinary recommendations
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disease staging in multidisciplinary recommendations
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communication of initial treatment plan to the patient's GP
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supportive care screening
The indicators are requirements for clinical communication, quality cancer services, and to ensure patient safety.
Cancer Service Performance Indicator Audit 2020 - Information Sheet.
MDM Quality
Project Lead: Louise Patterson
GICS is supporting the implementation of the MDM Quality Framework.
This involves surveying MDM participants regarding their experiences - and this year include a focus on the experience of MDM in the COVID environment.
The Cancer Survivor Guide Podcast Series
Project Lead: Glenn Reeves
There are 3 series of 10 podcasts that interview local medical specialists and talk about what might be involved in the common treatment paths for cancer patients.
The podcasts are available on iTunes, Spotify and cancersurvivorguide.com.
Service Quality
GICS Newsletter
The GICS Newsletter contains information on newly released cancer statistics, the latest cancer information from around the Grampians region, developments in cancer research and best practice methodology, professional development opportunities and much more.
Click on the links below to read the latest news and previous issues:
The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services are supported by the Victorian Government
© 2023 Grampians Integrated Cancer Service
Contact Us
GICS
BRICC Level 2,
Grampians Health - Ballarat
1 Drummond Street VIC 3350
Email: GICS@gh.org.au
Phone: (03) 5320 4782
The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.