Optimal care pathways: A national policy to improve quality of cancer care and address inequalities in cancer outcomes

Abstract

Background: While Australia ranks highly in terms of cancer survival internationally, disparities in outcomes exist within the nation. To address this issue, Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) were developed as a standard of care. Key principles of care, timeframes, quality standards and support needs were described in a seven-step pathway for 18 cancers. This paper discusses the potential value of pathways for care delivery, contextualises Australia's pathway policy approach and describes implementation strategies and early evidence of OCP impact. Methods: A literature review assessed international definitions and evidence of the utility of clinical care pathways. OCP implementation and evaluatio..