Background:
Consumer and clinicians informed the need for better coordination and early access to information and navigation support, for new patient’s individual needs[1].
Aim
In 2023, the Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, Implement a new intake Cancer Nurse Coordinator- to improve patient experience with early navigation support, and optimise clinic preparation through patient risk stratification and system efficiencies. The scope of the role is from workup of suspected or confirmed cancer to treatment commencement.
Method:
An implementation science approach was used, together with PDSA and redesign work done by central intake working group and mentoring by Oncologists to support triage upskilling. The role was evaluated for impact over the period of Sept 23-Apr 24.
Results:
The results showed successful implementation of this new model for new patients. Infancy data reveals effective reach to target patients, better early navigation support and emerging trends in timeliness and system efficiencies, as demonstrated below:
Conclusion:
Redesigning models for new patients can benefit patients and systems, this work demonstrated the following:
[1] Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, Bendigo Health 2022. Consumer consultation process, Regional Cancer Services Plan-2023-2028