\nthe healthcare setting’.
\n","post_date":1720013206,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632241,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":8,"display_name":"Donna O’Callaghan","user_url":"","user_login":"Donna-GRICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Poster-Presentation-Template-and-EC-poster-1-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Poster-Presentation-Template-and-EC-poster-1-768x922.jpg","width":768,"height":922}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/latrobe-valley-exercise-and-cancer-project-cosa-poster","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Gippsland"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":[" ‘A collaborative approach to provide prescriptive exercise outside of the healthcare setting’.\nBackground\nExercise programs have shown to provide both physical and psychological benefits to cancer patients and provide a valuable role in supporting cancer patients to return to function and wellbeing (1). Lack of structured services in Gippsland, have limited the patient’s ability to access these programs.\nAim\nImplement a standardised exercise program for oncology patients in the Latrobe Valley and assess its potential transferability to other regions in Gippsland.\nMethods\nA multidisciplinary working group of exercise physiologists (EP), oncology health professionals and council-run leisure centre fitness professionals developed a prescriptive exercise program with an appropriate and sustainable pathway.\nA simple referral pathway was developed with the support of Latrobe Regional Health, which was easily accessible, enabling participants to self-refer as well as allowing clinical referral.\nExercise Physiologists in Gippsland were provided with support to upskill by attending a course in the delivery of a cancer specific accredited exercise program.\nThe Exercise and Cancer Program was delivered by Exercise Physiologists from Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), with the support of Allied Health Assistants and Latrobe Leisure Morwell fitness professionals.\nCare Coordinators from LCHS were referred to, as required, by the EP following the initial assessment.\nResults\n100% of participants improved on at least one of their physical tests and all participants improved on one of their subjective measures. The subjective measures provide critical information regarding fatigue symptoms, depression and anxiety and their feelings of self-worth.\nThis program has supported results found in literature, though how this program sets itself apart is in the addition of a critical component, care coordinators. This implementation effectively decreases in social and mental health burdens on health services.\nTraveling long distances by car to receive adequate care causes additional stress and burden. Ensuring Latrobe Valley residents have access to an exercise and cancer program locally is necessary.\nParticipant feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Much of this feedback relates to the psycho-social support provided and the benefits of healthcare supported exercise outside of a healthcare service.\nConclusion\nCollaboration between healthcare services and leisure centres is necessary to ensure sustainable exercise programs for oncology patients, outside of the healthcare service. Participants value the support of health professionals in a facility other than a healthcare service and feel a sense of belonging to a social group.\nWe thank our participants for their commitment to this program\nAuthors\nDonna O’Callaghan 1, Renee Jones 2, Jordan McMillan 3, Mathilda Orht 3, Phillip Jamieson 3, Mahesh Iddawela 5, Michelle Brock 5\n1 Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia\n2 Latrobe City Council’s Latrobe Leisure Morwell, Victoria, Australia\n3 Latrobe Community Health Service, Morwell, Victoria Australia\n4 Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia\n \nReference\n\nCormie P, Atkinson M, Bucci L, Cust A, Eakin E, Hayes S, et al. Clinical oncology society of Australia position statement on exercise in cancer care. Med J Aust. 2018;209(4):184–187\n\n \n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6208-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Latrobe Valley Exercise and Cancer Project COSA poster","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Latrobe Valley Exercise and Cancer Project COSA poster","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Exercise and Cancer Program ‘A collaborative approach to provide prescriptive exercise outside of
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An early intervention to assist carers of advanced cancer patients in hospital discharge and the transition home.
\n","post_date":1720010743,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632242,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_432812874-2-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_432812874-2-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/implementing-the-carer-support-needs-assessment-tool-csnat","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["Caring properly for carers means that patients are better cared for and more likely to stay at home for their palliative care needs. The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) has shown promise in the UK in helping carers during hospital discharge.\nThis project provided an opportunity to introduce the tool into usual occupational therapy practice at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital. Embedding the CSNAT into practice required a substantial shift in how therapists typically address and support carers’ needs.\nImpacts\nCarers’ needs are now seen as their own needs and not exclusively determined by the patient’s needs.\nThe project also showed that following up on carers’ needs after discharge does not ‘open up a can of worms’ and is easily adopted into practice.\nOverall, there was high acceptance and participation in the CSNAT intervention by occupational therapists, carers, patients and health services. More than 100 carers were introduced to the CSNAT during the project, with more than 90% of the carers accepting the offer to complete the tool. Patients, carers and occupational therapists viewed the CSNAT as a positive addition to practice and care.\nThese results were published in Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.\nGrant funding was also secured from the Peter Mac Endowment Fund for the conduct of a clinical trial to further test the impact of the CSNAT.\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6199-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Implementing the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT)","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Implementing the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT)","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"An early intervention to assist carers of advanced cancer patients in hospital discharge and the transition home.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"Caring properly for carers means that patients are better cared for and more likely to stay at home for their palliative care needs. The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) has shown promise in the UK in helping carers during hospital discharge.\nThis project provided an opportunity to introduce the tool into usual occupational therapy practice at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital. Embedding the CSNAT into practice required a substantial shift in how therapists typically address and support carers’ needs.\nImpacts\nCarers’ needs are now seen as their own needs and not exclusively determined by the patient’s needs.\nThe project also showed that following up on carers’ needs after discharge does not ‘open up a can of worms’ and is easily adopted into practice.\nOverall, there was high acceptance and participation in the CSNAT intervention by occupational therapists, carers, patients and health services. More than 100 carers were introduced to the CSNAT during the project, with more than 90% of the carers accepting the offer to complete the tool. Patients, carers and occupational therapists viewed the CSNAT as a positive addition to practice and care.\nThese results were published in Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.\nGrant funding was also secured from the Peter Mac Endowment Fund for the conduct of a clinical trial to further test the impact of the CSNAT.\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6197,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Optimising vulvar wound management","post_excerpt":"The Optimising Vulva Wound Management Project aimed to reduce the high rates of wound infection and breakdown amongst women after surgery for vulvar cancers.
\n","post_date":1720010718,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632244,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WCMICS-IMAGE-RWH-building-exterior_19062024-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WCMICS-IMAGE-RWH-building-exterior_19062024-768x433.jpg","width":768,"height":433}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/optimising-vulvar-wound-management","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["With funding support from WCMICS, the Royal Women’s Hospital set out to reduce the high rates of wound infection and breakdown after surgery for vulvar cancers. These complications are reported in gynae-oncology services statewide, nationwide, and internationally, but no organisation had achieved any measurable success in solving the problem.\nThe project team undertook a literature review, medical record audit, wound management courses, staff, and patient surveys, and received expert input from clinicians and consumers. The knowledge and data gained were then used to develop, new guidelines, processes, and educational materials for patients and staff.\nEquipment packs were also put together to ensure patients had reliable, consistent materials to perform self-care for their wounds. A patient factsheet can now be downloaded from The Women’s website.\nImpacts\nPatient and staff surveys and medical record audit were repeated 12 months after the completion of the project, to assess the impact of the interventions on complication rates, length of stay, and readmissions.\n \n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6197-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Optimising vulvar wound management","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Optimising vulvar wound management","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"The Optimising Vulva Wound Management Project aimed to reduce the high rates of wound infection and breakdown amongst women after surgery for vulvar cancers.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"With funding support from WCMICS, the Royal Women’s Hospital set out to reduce the high rates of wound infection and breakdown after surgery for vulvar cancers. These complications are reported in gynae-oncology services statewide, nationwide, and internationally, but no organisation had achieved any measurable success in solving the problem.\nThe project team undertook a literature review, medical record audit, wound management courses, staff, and patient surveys, and received expert input from clinicians and consumers. The knowledge and data gained were then used to develop, new guidelines, processes, and educational materials for patients and staff.\nEquipment packs were also put together to ensure patients had reliable, consistent materials to perform self-care for their wounds. A patient factsheet can now be downloaded from The Women’s website.\nImpacts\nPatient and staff surveys and medical record audit were repeated 12 months after the completion of the project, to assess the impact of the interventions on complication rates, length of stay, and readmissions.\n \n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6195,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Geriatric oncology clinic redesign","post_excerpt":"Address the needs of the older person in routine cancer care by supporting health services to implement geriatric oncology models of care.
\n","post_date":1720010691,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632245,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_531203844-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_531203844-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/geriatric-oncology-clinic-redesign","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["In August 2021, the Geriatric Medicine and Cancer Services at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM), in partnership with oncology services at Goulburn Valley Health, implemented the Onco-Geriatric Clinic to provide comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) and management plans for older patients with cancer.\nWCMICS assisted SVHM in re-designing the clinic with implementation activities including:\n\nstreamlining the referral process to increase access to the service\ndeveloping promotional resources\nenabling interdisciplinary case discussions for every patient attending the clinic\ntailoring management plans based on the CGA assessment.\n\nImpacts\nMore than 70 older Victorians have attended the clinic the Onco-Geriatric Clinic since its inception. Of the 30 SVHM patients who attended the clinic, 17 opted for telehealth, indicating the success of the model in empowering patients to choose how and where they receive their care. All patients who attended were enabled to make decisions about their treatments, had assessments of their gait, mobility, cognition, continence, nutrition, and discussion around advance care planning. Personalised plans were developed for each patient, based on individualised interdisciplinary case discussions.\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6195-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Geriatric oncology clinic redesign","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Geriatric oncology clinic redesign","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Address the needs of the older person in routine cancer care by supporting health services to implement geriatric oncology models of care.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"In August 2021, the Geriatric Medicine and Cancer Services at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM), in partnership with oncology services at Goulburn Valley Health, implemented the Onco-Geriatric Clinic to provide comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) and management plans for older patients with cancer.\nWCMICS assisted SVHM in re-designing the clinic with implementation activities including:\n\nstreamlining the referral process to increase access to the service\ndeveloping promotional resources\nenabling interdisciplinary case discussions for every patient attending the clinic\ntailoring management plans based on the CGA assessment.\n\nImpacts\nMore than 70 older Victorians have attended the clinic the Onco-Geriatric Clinic since its inception. Of the 30 SVHM patients who attended the clinic, 17 opted for telehealth, indicating the success of the model in empowering patients to choose how and where they receive their care. All patients who attended were enabled to make decisions about their treatments, had assessments of their gait, mobility, cognition, continence, nutrition, and discussion around advance care planning. Personalised plans were developed for each patient, based on individualised interdisciplinary case discussions.\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6193,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Sexual health intervention following prostate cancer treatment","post_excerpt":"Evaluation of a prostate cancer nurse-led care model to maximise sexual function recovery for men post-prostate cancer treatment.
\n","post_date":1720010654,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632247,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_338371708-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_338371708-768x487.jpeg","width":768,"height":487}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/sexual-health-intervention-following-prostate-cancer-treatment","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["The WCMICS Grants Program 2021–22 funded a project to enhance patient engagement and care throughout the survivorship journey by addressing the decline in attendance rates of men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction at Western Health’s sexual health clinic and improving their adherence to new treatment options.\nWhile prostate cancer is a significant health concern in Victoria, the 5-year survival rate of 95% suggests that more patients are living with the side-effects of their treatment, particularly sexual dysfunction (SD) or erectile dysfunction (ED).\nPatients were invited to participate in a survey via email, phone, or post plus a focus group session. The survey results were analysed to identify enablers and barriers to treatment for SD and ED to help design service improvement. Analysis of feedback from 75 patients’ surveys and one focus group, highlighted that a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to address ED. Common barriers affecting patients’ decisions to continue or discontinue ED treatment include cost, treatment efficacy, psychological impact, lack of partner support, unavailability of treatment options, external factors, and patient disinterest. Enabling factors for treatment continuation included strong partner support, perception of treatment efficacy, counselling, psychological support, and patient-centred care.\n\nEngagement with ED treatment varies across age groups, with distinct themes influencing patients’ decisions to continue or discontinue treatment. Age influences patient preferences for educational programs, with younger patients prioritising sexual health and valuing in-person consultations.\nPatients emphasised the value of the existing nurse led model to provide patient education and address misconceptions about ED and treatment options emphasising the importance of one-on-one consultations over telehealth and group sessions.\nAddressing barriers and tailoring interventions for different age groups are essential to improve sexual function recovery. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care, where individual concerns and needs are addressed, is essential to enhance treatment uptake and adherence. Additionally, promoting public awareness can lead to better sexual health outcomes and improved overall wellbeing for prostate cancer survivors.\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6193-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Sexual health intervention following prostate cancer treatment","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Sexual health intervention following prostate cancer treatment","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Evaluation of a prostate cancer nurse-led care model to maximise sexual function recovery for men post-prostate cancer treatment.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"The WCMICS Grants Program 2021–22 funded a project to enhance patient engagement and care throughout the survivorship journey by addressing the decline in attendance rates of men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction at Western Health’s sexual health clinic and improving their adherence to new treatment options.\nWhile prostate cancer is a significant health concern in Victoria, the 5-year survival rate of 95% suggests that more patients are living with the side-effects of their treatment, particularly sexual dysfunction (SD) or erectile dysfunction (ED).\nPatients were invited to participate in a survey via email, phone, or post plus a focus group session. The survey results were analysed to identify enablers and barriers to treatment for SD and ED to help design service improvement. Analysis of feedback from 75 patients’ surveys and one focus group, highlighted that a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to address ED. Common barriers affecting patients’ decisions to continue or discontinue ED treatment include cost, treatment efficacy, psychological impact, lack of partner support, unavailability of treatment options, external factors, and patient disinterest. Enabling factors for treatment continuation included strong partner support, perception of treatment efficacy, counselling, psychological support, and patient-centred care.\n\nEngagement with ED treatment varies across age groups, with distinct themes influencing patients’ decisions to continue or discontinue treatment. Age influences patient preferences for educational programs, with younger patients prioritising sexual health and valuing in-person consultations.\nPatients emphasised the value of the existing nurse led model to provide patient education and address misconceptions about ED and treatment options emphasising the importance of one-on-one consultations over telehealth and group sessions.\nAddressing barriers and tailoring interventions for different age groups are essential to improve sexual function recovery. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care, where individual concerns and needs are addressed, is essential to enhance treatment uptake and adherence. Additionally, promoting public awareness can lead to better sexual health outcomes and improved overall wellbeing for prostate cancer survivors.\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6191,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"WCMICS First Nations Cancer Coordinator role","post_excerpt":"Scope and build an informed model for an First Nations Cancer Coordinator (FNCC) to serve the needs of Aboriginal Victorians with cancer, through; mapping access to care, collating existing literature; and engaging existing community advisory group
\n","post_date":1720010608,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1750937298,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":25,"display_name":"Kath Quade","user_url":"http://www.vics.org.au/wcmics","user_login":"Kath-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-Illustrated-Were-Hiring-LinkedIn-LinkedIn-Sponsored-Content-4-150x150.png","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-Illustrated-Were-Hiring-LinkedIn-LinkedIn-Sponsored-Content-4-768x542.png","width":768,"height":542}},"permalink":"https://vics.org.au/projects/wcmics-first-nations-cancer-coordinator-role","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["Improving Cancer Outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians: The First Nations Cancer Coordinator Pilot\nIn 2023, WCMICS supported the establishment of Victoria’s first dedicated First Nations Cancer Coordinator (FNCC) at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, a culturally grounded role designed to improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.\nCo-designed through Aboriginal community governance, consumer partnerships, and alignment with national care strategies, the FNCC role provides culturally safe, person-centred support across the entire cancer care journey. The FNCC works closely with multidisciplinary cancer teams, advocating for patients, building trust, and enhancing cultural safety within the health system.\nEvaluation has shown the FNCC to be a vital cultural educator and patient advocate—strengthening care coordination, improving communication, and empowering clinicians to provide more culturally responsive care. The role has also played a critical part in navigating hospital-community pathways and supporting end-of-life care that aligns with patients’ cultural needs.\nA key deliverable of the project was the development of a First Nations Cancer Coordinator Toolkit—a suite of practical resources designed to support the scale and spread of the FNCC model across Victoria. WCMICS is proud to launch this toolkit to guide services in embedding culturally safe, community-informed care.\nWith the release of the toolkit, there is now a clear pathway for broader implementation across services and settings—creating new opportunities to embed the FNCC model more deeply within both hospital-based and community-controlled care.\nFor more information, please contact Dilu.Rupassara@petermac.org\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6191-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"WCMICS First Nations Cancer Coordinator role","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"WCMICS First Nations Cancer Coordinator role","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Scope and build an informed model for an First Nations Cancer Coordinator (FNCC) to serve the needs of Aboriginal Victorians with cancer, through; mapping access to care, collating existing literature; and engaging existing community advisory group
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"Improving Cancer Outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians: The First Nations Cancer Coordinator Pilot\nIn 2023, WCMICS supported the establishment of Victoria’s first dedicated First Nations Cancer Coordinator (FNCC) at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, a culturally grounded role designed to improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.\nCo-designed through Aboriginal community governance, consumer partnerships, and alignment with national care strategies, the FNCC role provides culturally safe, person-centred support across the entire cancer care journey. The FNCC works closely with multidisciplinary cancer teams, advocating for patients, building trust, and enhancing cultural safety within the health system.\nEvaluation has shown the FNCC to be a vital cultural educator and patient advocate—strengthening care coordination, improving communication, and empowering clinicians to provide more culturally responsive care. The role has also played a critical part in navigating hospital-community pathways and supporting end-of-life care that aligns with patients’ cultural needs.\nA key deliverable of the project was the development of a First Nations Cancer Coordinator Toolkit—a suite of practical resources designed to support the scale and spread of the FNCC model across Victoria. WCMICS is proud to launch this toolkit to guide services in embedding culturally safe, community-informed care.\nWith the release of the toolkit, there is now a clear pathway for broader implementation across services and settings—creating new opportunities to embed the FNCC model more deeply within both hospital-based and community-controlled care.\nFor more information, please contact Dilu.Rupassara@petermac.org\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6189,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Plaque brachytherapy patient education package","post_excerpt":"Aims to develop patient information materials to better explain what patients can expect if their eye treatment is by plaque brachytherapy.
\n","post_date":1720010563,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1750940747,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WCMICS-IMAGE-RVEEH-Eye-exam_19062024-e1719288988390-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WCMICS-IMAGE-RVEEH-Eye-exam_19062024-e1719288988390.jpg","width":533,"height":364}},"permalink":"https://vics.org.au/projects/plaque-brachytherapy-patient-education-package","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["A WCMICS service improvement grant is supporting the development of a multimedia (video and written) patient education package about plaque brachytherapy at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.\nThis project aims to develop patient information materials to better explain what patients can expect if their eye treatment is by plaque brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy ‘seeds’ used in ~75% of patients with ocular melanoma) and provide it to 100% of Oncology clinic patients undergoing plaque brachytherapy and their carers at the Eye and Ear Hospital by mid-late 2024. \n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6189-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Plaque brachytherapy patient education package","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Plaque brachytherapy patient education package","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Aims to develop patient information materials to better explain what patients can expect if their eye treatment is by plaque brachytherapy.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"A WCMICS service improvement grant is supporting the development of a multimedia (video and written) patient education package about plaque brachytherapy at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.\nThis project aims to develop patient information materials to better explain what patients can expect if their eye treatment is by plaque brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy ‘seeds’ used in ~75% of patients with ocular melanoma) and provide it to 100% of Oncology clinic patients undergoing plaque brachytherapy and their carers at the Eye and Ear Hospital by mid-late 2024. \n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6186,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Myeloma Virtual Chemotherapy Day Unit","post_excerpt":"This project aims to develop a myeloma virtual chemotherapy day unit (CDU) ‘chair’ at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, to provide remote care to people with myeloma in their own homes and communities.
\n","post_date":1720010516,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1750940844,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_599386498-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_599386498-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.org.au/projects/myeloma-virtual-chemotherapy-day-unit","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["This project developed a myeloma virtual chemotherapy day unit (CDU) ‘chair’ at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, to provide remote care to people with myeloma in their own homes and communities.\nThe Virtual CDU educates, coordinates, supervises, monitors, and provides supportive care to people self-administering therapies in their own homes, or at their local general practitioner (GP).\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6186-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Myeloma Virtual Chemotherapy Day Unit","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Myeloma Virtual Chemotherapy Day Unit","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"This project aims to develop a myeloma virtual chemotherapy day unit (CDU) ‘chair’ at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, to provide remote care to people with myeloma in their own homes and communities.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"This project developed a myeloma virtual chemotherapy day unit (CDU) ‘chair’ at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, to provide remote care to people with myeloma in their own homes and communities.\nThe Virtual CDU educates, coordinates, supervises, monitors, and provides supportive care to people self-administering therapies in their own homes, or at their local general practitioner (GP).\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6178,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Nutritional biomarkers in oesophagogastric cancer","post_excerpt":"","post_date":1720010506,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632252,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":14,"display_name":"Linda Maddaford","user_url":"","user_login":"Linda-SMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_406611406-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_406611406-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/specialist-multimodal-speech-pathology-service-for-head-and-neck-oncology-patients","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Southern Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["Nutritional biomarkers in oesophago-gastric cancer standardised pre-operative nutritional surveillance \nSMICS Funding Program Initiative\nHealth Service: Alfred Health\nThe project aimed to develop a comprehensive framework involving early identification of malnutrition and nutritional high risk patients and formulate a standardised nutrition care pathway to be shared with partnered healthcare services for patients undergoing potentially curable OG cancer surgery\nClinical applicability: The improved pathway of care will\n\nProvide timely and effective nutrition interventions aimed to maintain or optimise nutrition status before surgery,\nEnsure all patients have an individualised nutrition care plan before surgery, irrespective of their treatment location,\nUtilise nutrition biomarkers to identify nutritional compromised patients and recommend interventions that aim to mitigate the risk of adverse surgical outcomes.\n\nFor further information, please email smics.quality@monashhealth.org\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6178-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Nutritional biomarkers in oesophagogastric cancer","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Nutritional biomarkers in oesophagogastric cancer","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Southern Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"Nutritional biomarkers in oesophago-gastric cancer standardised pre-operative nutritional surveillance \nSMICS Funding Program Initiative\nHealth Service: Alfred Health\nThe project aimed to develop a comprehensive framework involving early identification of malnutrition and nutritional high risk patients and formulate a standardised nutrition care pathway to be shared with partnered healthcare services for patients undergoing potentially curable OG cancer surgery\nClinical applicability: The improved pathway of care will\n\nProvide timely and effective nutrition interventions aimed to maintain or optimise nutrition status before surgery,\nEnsure all patients have an individualised nutrition care plan before surgery, irrespective of their treatment location,\nUtilise nutrition biomarkers to identify nutritional compromised patients and recommend interventions that aim to mitigate the risk of adverse surgical outcomes.\n\nFor further information, please email smics.quality@monashhealth.org\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6184,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"PREp-4-Cancer Surgery Toolkit","post_excerpt":"The toolkit will enable health services to develop prehabilitation services leading to improved patient outcomes for those undergoing major colorectal, gastrointestinal and gynaecological surgery.
\n","post_date":1720010453,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632254,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_712487105-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_712487105-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/prep-4-cancer-surgery-toolkit","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Underway"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["A WCMICS service improvement grant is supporting work at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to co-design an evidence-based PREp-4-Cancer Surgery Toolkit, which will be used to develop and implement prehabilitation services across Australia and internationally. This Toolkit will enable health services to develop prehabilitation services and lead to improved patient outcomes for those undergoing major colorectal, gastrointestinal and gynaecological surgery.\nPeter Mac is collaborating with consumers, Western Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Bendigo Health, Mercy Health, The Royal Women’s Hospital, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and the Cancer Council Victoria to co-design the Toolkit and evaluate the utility and the ability to implement the Toolkit. \n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6184-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"PREp-4-Cancer Surgery Toolkit","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"PREp-4-Cancer Surgery Toolkit","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"The toolkit will enable health services to develop prehabilitation services leading to improved patient outcomes for those undergoing major colorectal, gastrointestinal and gynaecological surgery.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Underway","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"A WCMICS service improvement grant is supporting work at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to co-design an evidence-based PREp-4-Cancer Surgery Toolkit, which will be used to develop and implement prehabilitation services across Australia and internationally. This Toolkit will enable health services to develop prehabilitation services and lead to improved patient outcomes for those undergoing major colorectal, gastrointestinal and gynaecological surgery.\nPeter Mac is collaborating with consumers, Western Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Bendigo Health, Mercy Health, The Royal Women’s Hospital, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and the Cancer Council Victoria to co-design the Toolkit and evaluate the utility and the ability to implement the Toolkit. \n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6182,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Prep-4-RT","post_excerpt":"This initiative sought to replicate this approach by developing a prehabilitation model of care for patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer.
\n","post_date":1720009601,"post_date_formatted":"July 3, 2024","post_modified":1723632255,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_601869653-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_601869653-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/prep-4-rt","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["The WCMICS Grants Program 2021–22 funded a project at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, in collaboration with consumers and clinicians from Bendigo Health and Melbourne Health, to develop a stepped multimodal prehabilitation model of care for patients with head and neck cancer.\n\nRadiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment modality for patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer but can induce significant physical impacts and high rates of distress. Prehabilitation interventions have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and are becoming common practice prior to surgery. This initiative sought to replicate this approach by developing a prehabilitation model of care for patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer. The model involved 3 steps:\n\nScreening patients for risk of psychological distress, malnutrition, sarcopenia, dysphagia, and poor functional capacity\nOffering all patients self-management resources\nOffering specialist prehabilitation to patients identified as being at risk.\n\nCo-design by patients, carers and clinicians is an effective means to create highly acceptable resources. 18 new resources developed including:\n\nwebpages\nfactsheets\nvideos\npostcard with QR code directing to resources.\n\nImpacts\n61% of patients reported using the self-management resources and 100% of patients who used the resources reported high satisfaction.\nPrep-4-RT addressed care and information gaps for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy, leading to early intervention. The Prep-4-RT model is a feasible and acceptable model of prehabilitation for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy across metropolitan and regional health services.\n\n54% of screened patients were eligible for specialist prehabilitation. Nearly all patients adhered to specialist treatment recommendations and 100% were satisfied with the treatment they received.\n90% of healthcare professionals found Prep-4RT acceptable\n100% of clinicians believed Prep-4-RT improved how patients prepared for the impact of radiotherapy.\n\nNext steps\nThis project has shown that the Prep-4-RT model of care is a feasible and acceptable model of prehabilitation for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy. Recommendations include:\n\nminor changes to the program and further testing of the model into clinical practice\nfurther evaluation of efficacy in terms of clinical and health service outcomes, and ability to improve equity and access for patients and carers in regional areas.\n\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6182-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Prep-4-RT","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Prep-4-RT","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"This initiative sought to replicate this approach by developing a prehabilitation model of care for patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"The WCMICS Grants Program 2021–22 funded a project at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, in collaboration with consumers and clinicians from Bendigo Health and Melbourne Health, to develop a stepped multimodal prehabilitation model of care for patients with head and neck cancer.\n\nRadiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment modality for patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer but can induce significant physical impacts and high rates of distress. Prehabilitation interventions have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and are becoming common practice prior to surgery. This initiative sought to replicate this approach by developing a prehabilitation model of care for patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer. The model involved 3 steps:\n\nScreening patients for risk of psychological distress, malnutrition, sarcopenia, dysphagia, and poor functional capacity\nOffering all patients self-management resources\nOffering specialist prehabilitation to patients identified as being at risk.\n\nCo-design by patients, carers and clinicians is an effective means to create highly acceptable resources. 18 new resources developed including:\n\nwebpages\nfactsheets\nvideos\npostcard with QR code directing to resources.\n\nImpacts\n61% of patients reported using the self-management resources and 100% of patients who used the resources reported high satisfaction.\nPrep-4-RT addressed care and information gaps for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy, leading to early intervention. The Prep-4-RT model is a feasible and acceptable model of prehabilitation for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy across metropolitan and regional health services.\n\n54% of screened patients were eligible for specialist prehabilitation. Nearly all patients adhered to specialist treatment recommendations and 100% were satisfied with the treatment they received.\n90% of healthcare professionals found Prep-4RT acceptable\n100% of clinicians believed Prep-4-RT improved how patients prepared for the impact of radiotherapy.\n\nNext steps\nThis project has shown that the Prep-4-RT model of care is a feasible and acceptable model of prehabilitation for HNC patients prior to radiotherapy. Recommendations include:\n\nminor changes to the program and further testing of the model into clinical practice\nfurther evaluation of efficacy in terms of clinical and health service outcomes, and ability to improve equity and access for patients and carers in regional areas.\n\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":6118,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Assessing the quality of care for people dying of cancer in hospital: development of the QualDeath framework","post_excerpt":"Development of an evidence based systematic approach to reviewing the quality of dying experience for patients with advanced cancer.
\n","post_date":1719905870,"post_date_formatted":"July 2, 2024","post_modified":1734452012,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":15,"display_name":"Maddy Gray","user_url":"","user_login":"Maddie-WCMICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AdobeStock_336962077-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AdobeStock_336962077-768x432.jpeg","width":768,"height":432}},"permalink":"https://cms.vics.org.au/projects/assessing-the-quality-of-care-for-people-dying-of-cancer-in-hospital-development-of-the-qualdeath-framework","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Western & Central Melbourne"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["In 2022, WCMICS supported development of an evidence-based, systematic appraisal framework for reviewing the quality of dying experience for patients with advanced cancer.\nThe framework offers 4 levels of potential implementation for hospitals to select from, and incorporates medical record review, multidisciplinary meetings, quality of end-of-life care surveys, and bereavement interviews with family carers.\nThe QualDeath project is an initiative aimed at improving the quality of end-of-life care through research, education, and policy advocacy. The project focuses on understanding the diverse experiences and needs of individuals facing terminal illness, as well as their families and caregivers. Through the integration of qualitative research methods, the project sought to uncover the nuanced aspects of end-of-life care that quantitative approaches might overlook. The project also highlighted the importance of cultural, social, and personal factors in shaping end-of-life experiences.\nKey project activities included:\n\nData Collection: Gathering qualitative data from diverse populations, including patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.\nAnalysis and Reporting: Analyzing data to identify key themes and insights, and publishing reports to disseminate findings.\nStakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to implement recommendations and improve practices.\n\nThe QualDeath project aims to inform and influence healthcare practices and policies to ensure compassionate, patient-centred care for individuals at the end of life, specifically\n\nImprove the quality of life for individuals at the end of life through more personalized and compassionate care.\nEquip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the unique needs of terminally ill patients and their families.\nInfluence policy and healthcare practices to prioritize quality end-of-life care as a fundamental aspect of the healthcare system.\n\nBy focusing on the qualitative aspects of end-of-life care, the QualDeath project seeks to ensure that individuals can experience a dignified and meaningful conclusion to their lives, supported by a compassionate and understanding healthcare system.\nImpacts\nThe QualDeath framework provides hospitals with recommendations to formalise processes to evaluate end-of-life care. Although QualDeath was underpinned by several research methods, further research is needed to rigorously explore its impact and test its feasibility.\nThese findings were published in Australian Health Review.\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"6118-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Assessing the quality of care for people dying of cancer in hospital: development of the QualDeath framework","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Assessing the quality of care for people dying of cancer in hospital: development of the QualDeath framework","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Development of an evidence based systematic approach to reviewing the quality of dying experience for patients with advanced cancer.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Western & Central Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Completed","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"In 2022, WCMICS supported development of an evidence-based, systematic appraisal framework for reviewing the quality of dying experience for patients with advanced cancer.\nThe framework offers 4 levels of potential implementation for hospitals to select from, and incorporates medical record review, multidisciplinary meetings, quality of end-of-life care surveys, and bereavement interviews with family carers.\nThe QualDeath project is an initiative aimed at improving the quality of end-of-life care through research, education, and policy advocacy. The project focuses on understanding the diverse experiences and needs of individuals facing terminal illness, as well as their families and caregivers. Through the integration of qualitative research methods, the project sought to uncover the nuanced aspects of end-of-life care that quantitative approaches might overlook. The project also highlighted the importance of cultural, social, and personal factors in shaping end-of-life experiences.\nKey project activities included:\n\nData Collection: Gathering qualitative data from diverse populations, including patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.\nAnalysis and Reporting: Analyzing data to identify key themes and insights, and publishing reports to disseminate findings.\nStakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to implement recommendations and improve practices.\n\nThe QualDeath project aims to inform and influence healthcare practices and policies to ensure compassionate, patient-centred care for individuals at the end of life, specifically\n\nImprove the quality of life for individuals at the end of life through more personalized and compassionate care.\nEquip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the unique needs of terminally ill patients and their families.\nInfluence policy and healthcare practices to prioritize quality end-of-life care as a fundamental aspect of the healthcare system.\n\nBy focusing on the qualitative aspects of end-of-life care, the QualDeath project seeks to ensure that individuals can experience a dignified and meaningful conclusion to their lives, supported by a compassionate and understanding healthcare system.\nImpacts\nThe QualDeath framework provides hospitals with recommendations to formalise processes to evaluate end-of-life care. Although QualDeath was underpinned by several research methods, further research is needed to rigorously explore its impact and test its feasibility.\nThese findings were published in Australian Health Review.\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":4227,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan at Monash Health","post_excerpt":"A pilot of the Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan, which guides early-stage CRC survivors as they transition from active treatment to surveillance care, is underway at Monash Health.
\n","post_date":1718677036,"post_date_formatted":"June 18, 2024","post_modified":1733392156,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":5,"display_name":"James Shirvill","user_url":"","user_login":"James-VICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_417119031-1-150x150.jpeg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://cms.vics.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_417119031-1-768x512.jpeg","width":768,"height":512}},"permalink":"https://cms.vics.org.au/projects/colorectal-cancer-partnered-survivorship-care-plan-at-monash-health","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Southern Melbourne"],"project_status":["Underway"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["The Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan effectively guides early-stage CRC survivors as they transition from active treatment to surveillance care.\nThe Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan (CRC PSCP) initiative leverages the skills and expertise of the specialist and primary care workforce to support ongoing delivery of high-quality, sustainable survivorship care. Supported by the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS), a pilot of this care plan is now underway at Monash Health.\nAim\nThe CRC PSCP aims to optimise the health and wellbeing of early-stage, primary-only or primary-and-adjuvant colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.\nObjectives\n\nSupport the provision of survivor-centred care, by eliciting individual survivor concerns and needs to direct individual healthcare plans\nImprove CRC survivors’ knowledge about cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care\nProvide a consistent and coordinated management plan and flow of information between providers\nEnhance coordination and integration of care across treatment modalities, providers and health settings\nSupport survivors to make informed lifestyle changes to promote wellness\nImprove access to care by providing patients with follow-up care closer to home.\nEnable and empower cancer survivors to self-manage (per their preferences)\n\nContact: smics@monashhealth.org\n","Take a closer look at the poster which reports the interim results for the first 9 months of the pilot and was presented at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) 2024 Annual Conference\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"4227-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan at Monash Health","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan at Monash Health","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"A pilot of the Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan, which guides early-stage CRC survivors as they transition from active treatment to surveillance care, is underway at Monash Health.
\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"taxonomies":{"region":[{"value":"Southern Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"project_status":[{"value":"Underway","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}]},"editor_module":[{"value":"The Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan effectively guides early-stage CRC survivors as they transition from active treatment to surveillance care.\nThe Colorectal Cancer Partnered Survivorship Care Plan (CRC PSCP) initiative leverages the skills and expertise of the specialist and primary care workforce to support ongoing delivery of high-quality, sustainable survivorship care. Supported by the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS), a pilot of this care plan is now underway at Monash Health.\nAim\nThe CRC PSCP aims to optimise the health and wellbeing of early-stage, primary-only or primary-and-adjuvant colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.\nObjectives\n\nSupport the provision of survivor-centred care, by eliciting individual survivor concerns and needs to direct individual healthcare plans\nImprove CRC survivors’ knowledge about cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care\nProvide a consistent and coordinated management plan and flow of information between providers\nEnhance coordination and integration of care across treatment modalities, providers and health settings\nSupport survivors to make informed lifestyle changes to promote wellness\nImprove access to care by providing patients with follow-up care closer to home.\nEnable and empower cancer survivors to self-manage (per their preferences)\n\nContact: smics@monashhealth.org\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},{"value":"Take a closer look at the poster which reports the interim results for the first 9 months of the pilot and was presented at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) 2024 Annual Conference\n","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}],"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]}}},{"post_id":4224,"post_type":"project","post_type_label":"Projects","post_title":"Care Plus pilots in Southern Melbourne","post_excerpt":"Care Plus is a new care model, supported by SMICS, that provides early palliative care to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
\n","post_date":1718676248,"post_date_formatted":"June 18, 2024","post_modified":1723632259,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":5,"display_name":"James Shirvill","user_url":"","user_login":"James-VICS"},"images":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Care-Plus-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150},"medium_large":{"url":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Care-Plus.jpg","width":378,"height":378}},"permalink":"https://vics.vercel.app/projects/care-plus-pilots-in-southern-melbourne","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Southern Melbourne"],"project_status":["Underway"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["Care Plus is a new care model supported by the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS) that provides early palliative care to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.\nThe aim of Care Plus is to standardise access to early palliative care by establishing an agreed-upon trigger point for referral and providing appropriate resources to support clinicians in introducing Care Plus to patients and their families.\nCare Plus focuses on supporting patients’ wellbeing by providing three additional consultations with a palliative care specialist, ensuring they, their families, and caregivers have the support they need.\nCare Plus runs alongside the patient’s usual cancer care, integrating palliative and oncological care. This fosters confidence in patients and their families and consolidates relationships between care providers.\nA pilot project for Care Plus is underway at Alfred Heath and is being developed at Peninsula Health.\nContact: smics@monashhealth.org\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"4224-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Care Plus pilots in Southern Melbourne","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Care Plus pilots in Southern Melbourne","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Care Plus is a new care model, supported by SMICS, that provides early palliative care to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
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\n","post_date":1718607325,"post_date_formatted":"June 17, 2024","post_modified":1727868787,"comment_count":0,"menu_order":0,"post_author":{"user_id":9,"display_name":"Monique Beecroft","user_url":"","user_login":"Monique-HRICS"},"images":[],"permalink":"https://wordpress-1211710-4296262.cloudwaysapps.com/projects/albury-wodonga-regional-cancer-centre-patient-flow-improvement","post_mime_type":"","taxonomies":{"region":["Hume"],"project_status":["Completed"]},"taxonomies_hierarchical":[],"is_sticky":0,"post_weight":2,"editor_module":["The review was undertaken by external consultants Biruu, with the objective of improving the flow of patients through Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) and its services to determine efficiencies and enhance patient experience of care.\nThis project was supported by an HRICS service improvement grant.\n"],"content":"","record_index":0,"objectID":"4290-0","_snippetResult":{"post_title":{"value":"Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre patient flow improvement","matchLevel":"none"},"content":{"value":"","matchLevel":"none"}},"_highlightResult":{"post_type":{"value":"project","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_title":{"value":"Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre patient flow improvement","matchLevel":"none","matchedWords":[]},"post_excerpt":{"value":"Improving the patient flow through Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
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