PA02.05 Access to Care: Australia

Abstract

In June 2016, Lung Foundation Australia launched an evidence-based, clear and concise guide, the “Lung Cancer Patient Pathway,” for patients with a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis. The guide is available as a printed resource and online resource supported by a micro-site on Lung Foundation Australia’s website and the Lung Cancer Network Australia website and has been distributed to the majority of dedicated lung cancer treatment centers around Australia. The main aim of producing the Lung Cancer Patient Pathway (LCPP) was to provide newly diagnosed patients with a “one stop” resource that outlines the clinical referral pathways and details the full range of treatment options and supportive care services available to them throughout their lung cancer journey. The LCPP also aims to improve patient health literacy and empower patients with access to evidence based information to support informed decision making and treatment choices, self- management and ultimately, to improve patient outcomes. The LCPP was launched in conjunction with the launch of the Lung Foundation’s Australian Lung Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team Directory http://lungfoundation.com.au/mdt/. This national directory lists the current (64) dedicated lung cancer multidisciplinary (MDT) services around Australia. It is intended to facilitate referrals of patients to hospitals delivering MDT-based lung cancer management. The creation of this national directory has forged closer relationships between the Lung Foundation and dedicated lung cancer multidisciplinary (MDT) services and provided a mechanism to be able to reach patients at time of diagnosis. Lung Foundation has previously struggled to reach patients early in their cancer journey. Strengthening these relationships with Lung MDT services has led to a systematic distribution of Lung Foundation patient kits including the LCPP info-graph. The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Winter Congress in May 2016 and Australian Lung Cancer Conference in August 2016 presented opportunities to distribute the printed LCPP in conference delegate bags and at trade exhibitions to more than 550 cancer clinicians and nurses. The Lung Foundation will implement the following strategies to ensure the sustainability of this project: Info-graph will be trialed in Lung Cancer MDTs around Australia, Info-graph will form part of the Lung Cancer Consultative Groups activities, A minimum review period of two years for info-graph and website content, Annual budget allocation for ongoing promotion and dissemination. The Lung Cancer Patient Pathway project has produced a patient centered resource to empower newly diagnosed patients with current, evidence based information so that they can make informed decisions on treatment options and supportive care services and access the right treatment and care at the right time. This project was managed by Glenda Colburn, Director, Lung Cancer National Program, Lung Foundation Australia. The Lung Cancer patient pathway was made possible via unrestricted education grants. Principal sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb Supporting Sponsors: AstraZenea, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cancer Australia, Pfizer, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, MSD.