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 has culminated in an evidence brief that assesses various models of care and explores evidence-based methods for their implementation. Going forward, this information can help decision-makers to thoughtfully identify, plan, introduce, and expand new care models to maximize benefits for both patients and the cancer care system.
Who’s involved
This work is a collaborative effort by research teams from BC Cancer, the University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, and CancerCare Manitoba who have engaged cancer care system partners across Canada to inform the development of the evidence brief.
The Health Services and Policy Research project is financially supported by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
Latest Updates
Publication alert: CAPCA’s health services and policy research published in Current Oncology
Canada’s cancer care system is under sustained pressure from rising patient volumes and persistent workforce shortages. While innovative models of care have emerged across the country, they are too often developed in isolation and not shared or scaled beyond their originating site.
Sustaining Canada’s cancer workforce: CAPCA research published in Health Policy
As cancer care systems around the world face increasing patient and family needs, CAPCA’s research into innovative models of care is helping to identify how the oncology workforce can adapt for sustainability and care equity.
“Innovative care models can improve cancer care access while supporting patients and providers. The Health Services and Policy Research Initiative assesses how new care models could be implemented by cancer agencies and programs.”
Jill Flinn, Senior Director, Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority
