Deakin University’s Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) research group, in partnership with Cancer Council Australia, has been awarded a $495,000 grant through the Cancer Patient Support Program funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care. This funding will support the development of an Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) tailored for people with cancer living in rural and remote areas, addressing a critical need identified in the Australian Cancer Plan.
Optimal Care Pathways are frameworks outlining consistent, evidence-based and best practice care. Developed through a multidisciplinary process drawing on best evidence to provide guidance and expectations for quality cancer care, there is international evidence that frameworks improve patient outcomes and they are a key part of the nationally endorsed Australian Cancer Plan.
“The Australian Cancer Plan is a national strategy to enhance experiences and outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer, including their families and carers. It highlights opportunities and actions for the entire cancer control system to work together so all Australians can receive the best possible cancer care,” Assoc Professor Ugalde said.
“This funding will allow us to establish national guidance for the unique challenges faced by rural and remote cancer patients, who can experience poorer outcomes compared to those in metropolitan areas,” said ECORRA Research Group lead, Associate Professor Anna Ugalde of Deakin University. “Our goal is to reduce inequities in cancer care delivery across Australia.”
This project is supported by a multidisciplinary team of national leaders in oncology and rural health. The team is led by Associate Professor Anna Ugalde from Deakin University, an expert in health services and oncology research. She is joined by Megan Varlow, a health policy and equity specialist, and Kate Whittaker, a health policy expert, both from Cancer Council Australia. Other key members include Hannah Jongebloed, Dr. Hannah Beks, Dr. Rebecca Bergin, Dr. Anna Chapman, and Associate Professor Skye Marshall, who bring extensive experience in oncology, health services research, implementation science and rural health, all from Deakin University. Laura Sergeant has joined Deakin University as project coordinator.
Through ECORRA, Assoc Prof Ugalde leads a program of health services research to promote best practice for cancer patients and their family caregivers, informing oncology clinical practice and government policy. Her research is conducted in partnership with community groups, health service organisations, clinicians, policymakers and people affected by cancer.
The research project is aligned with other established ECORRA projects delivering improved cancer care for rural and remote Australians, including a national, multistate trial and a Victorian statewide survey exploring how to address the barriers to best practice care. For more information, visit https://ecorra.deakin.edu.au or contact ecorra@deakin.edu.au
This article was published in the Geelong Advertiser, Friday 4 October 2024.
