Optimal cancer care pathways: developing best practice guides to improve patient outcomes and identify variations in care

Introduction: The pathway for people undergoing diagnosis and treatment for cancer is complex and often poorly understood by patients, clinicians and administrators. In Australia, national Optimal Cancer Care Pathways (OCPs) have been developed to map this journey for specific tumour types. Aim: The primary objectives of establishing the OCPs are to describe the standard of care and targets for evaluating cancer care programs, and improve understanding of the components of the pathway for both clinicians and consumers. Method: Multidisciplinary expert groups for each tumour stream reviewed and agreed upon the content for each pathway. This was followed by public consultation with peak national bodies and key stakeholders. Results: OCPs for 15 tumour streams, with consumer versions and quick reference guides for general practitioners, have been published online. The full suite of OCPs provides nurses and other health care professionals with improved resources for addressing their patients' needs and questions. Practice implications: State-based health departments in Australia are responsible for implementing the OCPs in their jurisdiction. Structural support for implementation is provided by the federal government. Performance expectations, clinician engagement and system accountability will be integrated in the implementation process.