Background
There are more than 1500 patients diagnosed with cancer in the Hume region annually according to the Victorian Cancer registry. The West Hume Clinical Reference Group (CRG) identified the need to improve and standardise the referrals process for patients with a diagnosis of cancer following establishment of a resident oncology service. Anecdotally GP’s had queried “where do you refer a patient?” Evidence from published literature and the unpublished audits from local GP’s and Specialist’s in the West Hume region identified the need for the development of the project.
Aim
To use a collaborative approach to engage with GPs, local specialists and speciality services to improve the referral processes for patients with a diagnosis of cancer.
Objectives
To improve the GP’s referral pathway information and knowledge for all tumour streams.
To develop a process that aided the timely patient referrals to relevant specialists.
Identification of basic requirements for referral for all tumour streams, to ensure a complete initial workup2 of patients prior to referral and review by specialist team. Review of existing referral processes.
Conclusion
A GP focus group and Cancer Education Session (RACGP & CPD points) (29 GP’s attended) was held to assess the clinical utility and acceptability of the proposed process. The implementation of web based referral information and pathways for each tumour stream through the Hume RICS website was made available and marketed to all local practices. Locally installed self-populating templates designed for the GP software for referral to the expanded local Oncology service (16 practices requested and installed templates). A cost effective, easily accessible solution was provided to the West Hume cancer region.