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Putting Policy into Practice: How Three Cancer Services Perform against Indigenous Health and Cancer Frameworks

Author

Listed:
  • Emma V. Taylor

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia)

  • Marilyn Lyford

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia)

  • Lorraine Parsons

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia)

  • Michele Holloway

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia)

  • Karla Gough

    (Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
    Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Sabe Sabesan

    (Department of Medical Oncology, Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia)

  • Sandra C. Thompson

    (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia)

Abstract

Improving cancer outcomes for Indigenous people by providing culturally safe, patient-centred care is a critical challenge for health services worldwide. This article explores how three Australian cancer services perform when compared to two national best practice guidelines: the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework (Cancer Framework) and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) User Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (User Guide). The services were identified through a nationwide project undertaken to identify cancer services providing treatment to Indigenous cancer patients. A small number of services which were identified as particularly focused on providing culturally safe cancer care participated in case studies. Interviews were conducted with 35 hospital staff (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) and 8 Indigenous people affected by cancer from the three services. The interviews were analysed and scored using a traffic light system according to the seven priorities of the Cancer Framework and the six actions of the NSQHS User Guide. While two services performed well against the User Guide, all three struggled with the upstream elements of the Cancer Framework, suggesting that the treatment-focused Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Cancer (Cancer Pathway) may be a more appropriate framework for tertiary services. This article highlights the importance of a whole-of-organisation approach when addressing and embedding the six actions of the User Guide. Health services which have successfully implemented the User Guide are in a stronger position to implement the Cancer Framework and Cancer Pathway.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma V. Taylor & Marilyn Lyford & Lorraine Parsons & Michele Holloway & Karla Gough & Sabe Sabesan & Sandra C. Thompson, 2022. "Putting Policy into Practice: How Three Cancer Services Perform against Indigenous Health and Cancer Frameworks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-21, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:633-:d:719288
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Emma V. Taylor & Margaret M. Haigh & Shaouli Shahid & Gail Garvey & Joan Cunningham & Sandra C. Thompson, 2018. "Cancer Services and Their Initiatives to Improve the Care of Indigenous Australians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Emma V Taylor & Marilyn Lyford & Lorraine Parsons & Toni Mason & Sabe Sabesan & Sandra C Thompson, 2020. "“We’re very much part of the team here”: A culture of respect for Indigenous health workforce transforms Indigenous health care," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emma V. Taylor & Sarah Dugdale & Christine M. Connors & Gail Garvey & Sandra C. Thompson, 2024. "“A Huge Gap”: Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cancer Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Northern Territory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-20, January.

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