Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is more than a medical journey; it can be the start of a challenging path through the complex maze of healthcare systems, at a time of physical and emotional change for both the person diagnosed and those around them. The Department of Health (DoH) recognised the need to understand the experiences of those at the heart of cancer services — patients and their carers. The Department of Health partnered with the Health Consumers’ Council (HCC) to gather insights that will help inform the future of cancer care in WA.
We are pleased to be able to share this report with you. We would like to thank the patients, consumers and carers who chose to share their stories and experiences with us so generously.
We would also like to thank Dr Susannah Morris, who provided our team with expert advice and support, and offered an invaluable consumer focused insight into this and many other cancer projects in WA and Australia. We also recognise and thank Susannah for her considerable input into this report.
The Essence of Consultation
The consultations held in March and April 2024 were vibrant discussions filled with stories, challenges, and aspirations. A diverse group of 32 individuals participated in workshops and interviews to share their experiences with cancer care pathways in WA. The feedback gathered from these sessions was insightful and is hoped to have a significant impact on the enhancement of cancer services.
Themes of Reflections
Participants were open and candid about their interactions with cancer services. They reflected on the parts of their care that were difficult, and the aspects that were handled well. This feedback is crucial in understanding the emotional and practical needs of patients as they navigate cancer treatment.
Location, Location, Location
One of the critical areas of discussion was the configuration and location of care. Though the specifics of possible configurations were not directly presented for feedback, the need for flexibility and accessibility in care locations was a recurring theme. Wherever the location was, care needed to be centred around the person and their needs. This aspect of care is not only about geographical convenience but also about the comfort and peace of mind patients have when they know support is within reach.
The Experiences That Matter
Above and beyond the technicalities of treatment, what stood out in the consultations was the need for better care navigation and a more consistent and early linking of consumers and carers with all pertinent support services, to be treated as whole people not just a disease. Better communication, flexible appointment times, a more seamless and coordinated care experience, care navigators and navigation tools were among the top suggestions from participants.
Aligning with the WA Cancer Plan
As the consultations revealed, there’s an essential need to ensure that cancer services in WA are aligned with the second goal of the WA Cancer Plan 202-2025: to ensure that consumers have the best experience of cancer care. This implies that optimal care should be person-centred, safe, high-quality, multidisciplinary, supportive, and well-coordinated. People were also concerned that they ‘lived well’ with and beyond their diagnos, in keeping with priority three of the plan. The consultations highlighted that while much has been achieved, there are still gaps that need bridging.
Looking Ahead
The Australian Government’s Australian Cancer Plan (2023-2033) has set a new backdrop for the continuum of cancer service delivery. The findings from the WA consultations will not only contribute to refining the state’s approach but also ensure that the voices of consumers are heard in the broader national context.
The Cancer Services Plan Consultation Report provides a snapshot of current consumer experiences with cancer services in WA. It’s a living document that echoes the voices of those most affected by cancer and offers a roadmap for improvements that could significantly enhance the patient journey.
Remember that as we look toward the future, your voice and your experiences are powerful catalysts for change. If you or a loved one have navigated the cancer care system, consider sharing your story. It’s through these shared experiences that we can work together to shape a cancer service system that not only heals but also supports and empowers every step of the way. You can share your stories and experiences at Care Opinion, a platform supported by WA Health where you can remain anonymous.