Supporting effective implementation of the optimal care pathway
Optimal Cancer Care Pathways aim to improve patient outcomes by facilitating consistent, safe, high quality and evidence-based care. They can be used by health services and professionals as a tool to identify gaps in current cancer services and inform quality improvement initiatives across all aspects of the care pathway.
Details regarding current SMICS OCP related projects can be found below:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Learning Program
Project Lead: Jenny Thresher
Completed: 2023
A co-planned, co-designed and co-delivered educational program for cancer services and Aboriginal health workers to support the workforce to deliver culturally competent cancer services. A video created for one of the modules received a high commendation in the 2022 Orion International Film Festival and will be shown in the top short film category at the 2023 St Kilda Film Festival on 10 and 11 June. Daniel’s story explores the challenges associated with cancer survivorship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families. The film was produced by Molasses Pictures and co-designed by Aboriginal Health workers, cancer service staff, and a culture advisor.
Improving well-being and support for all Victorian affected by cancer
Advance Care Planning at Alfred Health and Peninsula Health
Project Lead: Geraldine Largey
Completed 2021
SMICS supported the development and pilot implementation of an Advance Care Planning (ACP) Workbook Project at Alfred Health and Peninsula Health between February 2021 and October 2021. The aim of the project was to promote greater participation by oncology multidisciplinary practitioners in ACP activities.
Improving equity of access to high quality cancer care
Implementing a Metastatic Breast MDM - Peninsula Health:
Project Lead: Jenny Thresher
In Progress
Patients with MBC have complex, high level supportive care needs requiring a multidisciplinary approach that differs from those with early breast cancer. The MDM framework provides a standardised approach for referrals and planning for complex treatment. Whilst enabling monitoring and evaluation of performance which supports quality patient care and streamlining time poor resources.
MDM Quality: Establishment of MDM Governance Group:
Project Leads: Geraldine Largey (Monash Health), Anna Maciejewska (Peninsula Health) Jenny Thresher (Alfred Health)
In Progress
MDM Governance structures are being established and supported at Monash Health, Peninsula Health, and Alfred Health to monitor and improve MDM quality.
MDM Quality: QOOL VIC Implementation at Peninsula Health
Project Leads: Anna Maciejewska, Jenny Thresher
Completed 2021
SMICS has assisted Peninsula Health in implementing the Queensland Oncology On-Line-Victoria (QOOL-VIC) application for all oncology multi-disciplinary meetings. QOOL-VIC assists meeting preparation, and documentation and communication of essential clinical information such as diagnosis, cancer stage and recommended treatment plans.
The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services are supported by the Victorian Government
© 2023 Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service
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.