COSA has identified the need to improve the coordination of cancer care as an important priority, and especially in the following areas:
Outcome measurements
Drawing from the COSA outcomes evaluation framework to proceed with identifying and recommending some specific tools to assist with measuring key outcomes. To also develop accompanying guidelines for care coordinators to support use of the tools and the collection and reporting of outcomes data.
Advocacy
COSA to support an updated review of the evidence relating to cancer care coordinator roles which will enable the creation of an evidence based position statement relating to care coordinators and that COSA Executive move towards developing a strategy to advocate for the ongoing development of care coordinator roles across all cancer settings.
Facilitating networks
COSA to facilitate the opportunity for networking through the COSA website forum, workshops and conferences.
COSA with sponsorship from Queensland Health facilitated a cancer care coordination conference in March 2010. The 2010 Cancer Care Coordination Conference: Relationships, Roles, Reality, was attended by almost 200 delegates from around Australia and New Zealand. It provided an opportunity to learn more about strategies and directions for improving the experiences and outcomes for patients and their families, through the work of care coordinators. A conference report will be available shortly and the presentations from the workshop will be available in the Interest Group members area the week after Easter.
Further information on this interest group can be found in the Member's area of the website.