Background:
Oral Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT) offer a targeted, effective treatment option with fewer hospital visits and improved quality of life. However, these therapies are complex and often associated with significant toxicity, requiring patients to self-manage at home. Patient education is therefore critical but often overlooked. At Peninsula Health (PH), oral SACT use more than doubled between 2020 to 2024, exposing gaps in education, treatment planning, and follow-up. As a result, new models of care are essential to improve the quality of the service. To address this service need, a nurse-led oral SACT clinic has being established to standardise care pathways and follow-up, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Method:
This project aims to enhance the management, compliance, safety, coordination, and overall consumer experience of patients receiving oral SACT at PH through a nurse-led model. Key outcome measures include structured education, timely follow-up, pharmacist-led medication reconciliation, and improved patients and staff experience. Referral rates and model uptake are also collected to assess sustainability.
Since launching in December 2024, 79% (105/133) of patients commencing or established on oral SACT have been seen within the model. A total of 115 nurse-led treatment reviews were completed, reducing pressure on oncology clinics. Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation was provided to 71% (95/133) of patients, supporting safe and high-quality care. Additionally, 40 education sessions and 36 follow-up calls were conducted to monitor treatment and manage toxicity for patients initiating therapy.
Impact on Practice:
Patients now benefit from a structured care model involving education, pharmacist input, and nurse-led follow-up. This shared care approach improves consistency, enhances patient support, and optimises clinic capacity by freeing up consultant appointments, while ensuring consistent, protocol-driven patient support.
Discussion:
This novel model delivers safe, efficient care for patients on oral SACT. Its role and feasibility should be explored more widely within the Australian setting.