Patient Management Frameworks

The Cancer Services Framework for Victoria recommended that tumour streams be developed to reduce unwanted variation in practice. In response, the Ministerial Taskforce for Cancer recommended that patient management frameworks be developed to provide a consistent statewide approach to care management in each tumour stream.

The patient management frameworks are a clear description of the care pathway, identifying the critical points along that pathway and the optimal model of care required. They are intended to improve patient outcomes by facilitating consistent care based on evidence and best practice across the state. They set out the key requirements for the provision of optimal care which need to be considered at each step of the care pathway. In contrast to clinical practice guidelines that guide appropriate practice and decision making, the patient management frameworks provide a guide to the patient journey to ensure patients with cancer and their families receive optimal care and support.

As a guide, the patient management frameworks are to be followed subject to the health professional’s independent medical judgment and the patient’s preference in each individual case. They are designed to provide information to assist in decision making and organisation of service delivery. The patient management frameworks are not rules and do not carry a sense of prescription. The patient management frameworks represent the ‘what’, rather than seeking to prescribe the ‘how’.

The patient management frameworks have been developed in collaboration with a wide range of practitioners, consumers and carers. Wherever possible, the patient management frameworks are based on current best practice, including clinical guidelines, care pathways, standards and research that exist to support optimal care at the critical points. In many cases, however, they are a statement of consensus regarding currently accepted approaches to treatment.

For further information, please contact Leonie Scott, Manager, Quality and Performance Management on Tel (03) 9096 2138 or by email at leonie.scott@dhs.vic.gov.au

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