Background:
Regional cancer centres routinely face challenges in maintaining consistent specialist oncologist coverage. Traditional agency-based locum models are associated with high costs, limited availability, and variable clinical quality. These gaps in service continuity can compromise patient care and increase reliance on metropolitan services.
Methods:
In 2022, the Rural Support Service (RSS) implemented an innovative remote locum model across six Regional Local Health Networks encompassing 15 chemotherapy units. Of these, 7 units have a permanent oncologist attached. Interstate oncologists were recruited and embedded into the service to provide virtual care through the RSS’s hybrid model, integrating in-person and telehealth services, supported by local nursing coordinators.
Results:
Prior to implementation, 35% of clinics requiring leave coverage remained unstaffed. Since adopting the remote locum model, 95% of clinics are covered with 128 sessions staffed remotely in 2024, inclusive of paid non-clinical administration time. The model has delivered significant financial efficiencies, achieving a 43% reduction in daily locum staffing costs compared to the previous agency-based arrangement, which also required payments of commissions and travel expenses. It has enhanced continuity of care, patients are regularly reviewed by a consistent clinical team. These clinicians are fully integrated into the multidisciplinary team and practice in accordance with established governance frameworks and clinical standards, reducing variation and improving service stability.
Conclusion:
The remote locum model offers a sustainable and scalable approach to addressing regional oncologist workforce shortages. The RSS experience illustrates how integrating remotely based clinicians into a structured digital health model can improve care continuity, cost-efficiency, and service quality across regional settings.
The RSS experience highlights how structured integration of remote clinicians within a digitally enabled model can strengthen regional service delivery, reduce unwanted clinical variation, and offer long-term solutions for both planned and unplanned workforce gaps.