Helping to strengthen the cancer care workforce
Models of cancer care describes the structured approach used to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients, from prevention and early detection through treatment, follow-up and palliative care.
Models of cancer care integrate various healthcare services, roles, and disciplines to ensure coordinated, person-centered care throughout the cancer journey. A model of cancer care is often designed to improve the quality of care, enhance patient outcomes, and address challenges like resource allocation, workforce needs, and accessibility.
As Canada works to strengthen its cancer care workforce to meet patient and family needs, models of care are a related area of focus. Virtual care, artificial intelligence, technology-enabled care, team-based care and enhanced scopes of practice are all examples of care models that could improve access to cancer care in Canada while supporting the well-being of cancer patients and providers.
CAPCA’s Health Services and Policy Research Initiative will help to strengthen the cancer care workforce across Canada by identifying innovative models of cancer care and evaluating their potential for implementation, scalability, and spread across Canadian jurisdictions. This initiative will focus on innovating how care is delivered by assessing various models of care and exploring evidence-based methods for their implementation. The systematic approach will ensure that new care models are thoughtfully identified, planned, introduced, and expanded to maximize benefits for both patients and the cancer care system.
Who’s involved
Research teams from BC Cancer, the University of British Columbia, and Dalhousie University are collaborating to advance this Health Services and Policy Research through broad engagement of cancer care system partners across Canada.
The Health Services and Policy Research project is financially supported by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
“Innovative care models can improve cancer care access while supporting patients and providers. Through the Health Services and Policy Research Initiative, we’re assessing how new care models could be implemented by cancer agencies and programs.”
Jill Flinn, Senior Director, Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority
