Background: Strategic planning activities are often at risk of unintended bias and overpoliticisation which can influence the distribution of resources and focus and create inequities across a patient’s cancer journey. Embedding equity-centred approaches and data mapping exercises to align priorities with cancer policy into strategic planning activities ensures a broad range of perspectives are given equal weight. This can be achieved by incorporating data collection and data mapping exercises that allow for independent contribution from a diverse range of staff within the business unit.
Aim: To embed equity-centred, evidence-based approaches to the development of a Strategic Plan for a Cancer Service Unit.
Methods: The evaluation of the most recent Cancer Services Plan and the development and publication of an updated Plan will occur across three stages. In Stage 1, an online survey of Cancer Services senior staff will evaluate progress against the most recent Cancer Services Plan and identify all ongoing and incomplete priorities to be included in the updated plan. Stage 2 will consolidate data from Stage 1 and an environmental analysis of the current and future state of cancer care needs and policy for the Cancer Services Unit to produce a longlist of relevant potential priorities and directions for the revised plan. In Stage 3, senior staff will complete another online survey to assess the feasibility and impact of potential priorities. Survey data will be analysed to identify the leading priorities for inclusion in the new Plan. The draft Plan will then be circulated to Cancer Services executives for amendment and approval.
Conclusion: Using an equity-centred approach to strategic planning activities allows priority setting activities to be guided by diverse perspectives from across all aspects of cancer care. This approach will help ensure a more balanced distribution of resources and effort across the Cancer Services Unit.