Defining Success

Objective

The current and future standard is a world class radiation oncology service with robust quality systems and standards in place.

Defining Success

A nationally planned approach to the radiation oncology sector, which takes into account the needs of all cancer patients, their families and carers, which is characterised by:

• A forward-looking strategy to deliver improved radiation oncology services through the development of a National Cancer Action Plan which effectively and efficiently incorporates quality radiation oncology services and which includes planning for the implementation and evaluation of future technology and techniques; plans to address any jurisdictional regulatory differences which influence the adoption of radiation technology and which defines and refines the National Minimum Data Set.
• The availability of radiotherapy to all patients for whom it is clinically appropriate which can be accessed in a timely manner with evidence of this being reduced waiting times; the access of patients to treatment consistent with evidence-based radiotherapy utilisation rates for their disease; and that the financial impact on the patient, carers and families is affordable to all Australians.
• A patient-centred, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach to care evidenced by the adoption of multidisciplinary teams for the management of each patient’s cancer that is supported by peer review and the provision of consistent quality information to patients, carers, family and healthcare professionals all of which are consistent with the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards²
• Ongoing evaluation with a strong emphasis on quality assurance, patient quality of life and survivorship evidenced by the operation of a national dosimetry audit service, patient quality outcomes being reported by facilities, the survivorship of patients being measurably enhanced and reporting of issues affecting quality being effectively managed.
• Continuous quality improvement evidenced by on-going evolution of the Radiation Oncology Practice Standards and demonstration of compliance with these standards at a facility level, regular review of the Radiation Oncology Strategic Plan and implementation of a national radiation oncology incident reporting framework that provides sufficient detail to assure the safety of and improve the quality of the services offered.
• Engendering leadership and fostering a culture of quality through the incentivisation and development of a quality culture which cultivates leadership and by the inclusion of continuity planning as part of the implementation of the Radiation Oncology Strategic Plan.