Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Implementing a First Nations Cancer Coordinator to Improve Cancer Outcomes and Enhance Cultural Safety for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria (#63)

Marissa Mulcahy 1 , Mollie Wilson 2 3 4 , Brian Le 5 , Dilu Rupassara 6 , Gail Garvey 7 , Jennifer Philip 2 3 4
  1. First Nations Health Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, East Melbourne, VICTORIA, Australia
  3. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  5. The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  6. Western Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  7. University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Background: 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (hereafter respectfully referred to as Aboriginal) experience poorer cancer outcomes and higher mortality rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Barriers in accessing and engaging with cancer care services contribute significantly to these disparities. The First Nations Cancer Coordinator (FNCC) role, developed in collaboration with an Aboriginal Community Advisory Group, offers a model that combines cultural and coordination support to improve the navigation of cancer services for Aboriginal people.  

Aim: 
This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of the FNCC role in addressing the cultural, coordination and care needs for Aboriginal patients with cancer and their families.   

Methods: 
A co-design methodology was used, underpinned by community governance and ongoing partnership with an Aboriginal Community Advisory Group. An iterative, collaborative Yarning process was embedded to prioritise Aboriginal perspectives.  

A mixed-methods approach was used, including semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and Aboriginal patients, alongside a medical record audit to evaluate the FNCC role's impact. Evaluation outcomes were determined in alignment with optimal care pathways and local community needs.  

Outcomes: 
The core components of the FNCC role included strong connections with multidisciplinary cancer teams and Aboriginal health units; continuous, between service coordination; knowledge about cancer specific needs and advocacy and education about cultural safety in cancer care. The project identified areas where additional cultural support was most valuable, including communication with community-controlled services, attendance at outpatient clinics and multidisciplinary cancer meetings. Factors that could impact the roles effectiveness were role visibility, understanding and early identification of Aboriginal patients.  

Conclusion: 
The findings highlight the critical importance of FNCC roles in advocating for and enhancing cultural safety in cancer care, essential for addressing disparities and improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal Australians.