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

An Optimal Care Pathway for people with cancer from rural and remote areas: Considerations and key processes   (126502)

Carmel O'Kane 1 , Florian Honeyball 2 , Hannah Jongebloed 3 , Anna Chapman 3 , Rebecca Bergin 3 , Megan Varlow 4 , Kate Whittaker 4 , Laura Sergeant 3 , Helena Rodi 3 , Charlene Wright 3 , Sharina Riva 3 , Skye Marshall 3 , Anna Ugalde 3
  1. Wimmera Cancer Centre, Grampians Health, Horsham, Victoria, Australia
  2. Western Cancer Centre, Dubbo, Western New South Wales Local Health District, NSW, Australia
  3. Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
  4. Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, NSW

Background and rationale 

Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) are nationally endorsed frameworks that outline the delivery of safe and quality cancer care. OCPs are established for several cancer types and are also in development for key population groups identified in the Australian Cancer Plan. We report on the development of an OCP for rural and remote Australians affected by cancer.  

Methods 

This project adhered to the OCP toolkit methodology and the National Optimal Care Pathways Framework, including establishing project governance, performing a literature review, undertaking a targeted consultation, populating the template, appointing a working group, organising working group meetings, reviewing drafts, a national public consultation, collating feedback and executing the graphic design and translation.  

Impact on practice 

A diverse national working group with 35 experts in rural cancer care was convened, including representations from a range of health professions (medical oncology, haematology, radiation oncology, nursing, general practice, allied health, palliative care, health service management) and people with a lived experience of cancer. A literature review was conducted with 187 papers included. Two working groups were held in March and June with public consultation open during September 2025.  

The rural and remote OCP outlines the best practice cancer care for people from these communities. The OCP presents important considerations for this group, including telehealth / tele-oncology, access to clinical trials, supporting patients with travel and accommodation,  diversity of rural and remote settings, different models of primary care, workforce considerations and the strengths of rural and remote communities in the delivery of healthcare.  

The document also outlines the complexity of rural and remote definitions.  

Discussion 

The development of this OCP underscores the importance of inclusivity, consultation and adaptive frameworks in addressing healthcare equity. Development and dissemination of anOCP for people in rural and remote areas will enable consistent, coordinated and equitable care.