Optimal care pathway adherence assessment (OCPAA) tools

Project description, aims, design and method

Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) demonstrate the elements required for the delivery of safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer. OCPs are nationally endorsed and an integral part of the Australian Cancer Plan for providing high quality care to patients with cancer. Adherence to OCPs can support consistent delivery of best practice care to patients with cancer. Currently, OCPs exist for over 20 cancer types. Unwarranted variation in cancer care delivery means that care does not always adhere to these evidence-based pathways. Clinical teams currently have limited ability to review and assess their performance against OCPs to identify areas in which adherence may be enhanced.

Project aims

This project aims to develop prototype adherence assessment tools for two blood cancer types: multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Design and method

The prototype tools will be developed using a team based iterative approach in three stages. Stage 1 will consist of a desktop review of literature. Stage 2 will involve mapping of administrative data variables against the seven steps of the OCPs. Stage 3 will involve determining the items for inclusion using group consensus through series of meetings.

Development of the tool will be supported by a clinical advisory team of two haematologists. Further validation of the tool will be progressed once the prototypes are established.