Introduction
The Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes (RBCO) program partners with cancer services across NSW to deliver a statewide benchmarking and system performance program focused on safe, high-quality and equitable care. By combining cancer data and clinical expertise, RBCO supports clinical excellence and improved outcomes. Chief Executive (CE) summaries provide Local Health Districts (LHDs) with an overview of cancer service performance, including clinical trials activity, to inform planning, resource allocation and service improvement.
Aim
To demonstrate how executive-level reporting of cancer clinical trial metrics can support system-wide oversight, identify variation and inform service improvement.
Service Description
RBCO data were analysed and summarised into CE reports aligned with cancer control priorities, including clinical trials. Indicators included enrolment rates, Aboriginal and rural participation, trial portfolio composition, and trial start-up performance. The format of the report was presented according to district, to support identification of variation in access and participation. The report was developed to provide executive level visibility of clinical trials activity and support assessment of variation in performance, capacity and access across NSW.
Outcomes
CE summaries incorporating clinical trial indicators were produced for 14 LHDs. Between March 2026 to August 2026, 14 meetings were conducted involving CEs, Cancer Services Directors and clinical trial stakeholders. Inclusion of clinical trial measures increased visibility of cancer clinical trials activity. Comparative reporting highlighted variation in access, participation, trial portfolio composition and trial activation performance between districts. Presentation of clinical trials data within a district-level framework enabled executive stakeholders to consider research activity alongside broader cancer service delivery measures and identify areas requiring further review.
Conclusion
RBCO Chief Executive reporting translates complex cancer clinical trials data into a concise executive-level format. The reports support health service leaders to identify variation and inform planning, resource allocation and opportunities to improve clinical trial access and participation.