Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Enhancing Cancer Care Equity Through Data-Driven Collaboration and Outreach (126237)

Stewart Harper 1 2 , David Moloney 3
  1. Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service, Traralgon, VICTORIA, Australia
  2. Oncology, Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon, Victoria
  3. Western and central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Background

Over the past three years, the nine separate Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) have evolved into a unified state-wide collaboration, working toward improving cancer access and outcomes for all Victorians.  With this evolution a concerted effort has been made to provide consistent, data-driven insights to support equitable cancer care by establishing a joint database and standardizing reporting processes.

Methods

VICS leverages its newly integrated database and improved reporting processes to analyse disparities in screening, treatment access, and patient outcomes across multiple regions. A cohort-based approach using a number of available datasets, provided by the Department of Health, enables tracking the patient journey, comorbidities, and care gaps. Additionally, state-wide data integration provides insights into service improvement and innovative collaboration models. 

Data Collaboration has led to:

  • Community-Led Initiatives: Culturally tailored programs have significantly improved cancer screening rates in CALD communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted outreach.
  • Workforce & Specialist Outreach: Visiting specialists and multidisciplinary team models have expanded early intervention services in regional areas, with data mapping identifying key gaps for further outreach.
  • VICS Partnerships & Referral Pathways: By transitioning to a coordinated state-wide network, patient journey mapping has helped to eliminate redundancies and improved referral efficiencies, enhancing care coordination.
  • State-wide Cancer Data Sharing: The creation of a joint VICS database has enabled more consistent reporting standards, providing stakeholders with high-quality, actionable insights for service planning.
  • Reporting Insights: Standardised VICS-wide reporting processes have strengthened system-wide evaluations, helping identify best practices and address care disparities.

Conclusion

Through joint data initiatives and streamlined reporting, the VICS has enhanced collaboration, efficiency, and equity in cancer care. This unified approach ensures regional, rural, and CALD populations receive improved, data-informed cancer services, setting a new standard for evidence-based decision-making in Victoria’s cancer care system.