Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Implementing a nurse-led geriatric oncology model of care for older people with lung cancer: A longitudinal evaluation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (146327)

Nicole Knox 1 , Louise D Hickman 2 , Meera R Agar 3 , Gemma McErlean 4 5 , Natalie Taylor 6 , Shalini K Vinod 1 7 8
  1. University of Wollongong, Wollongong
  2. University of Sydney, Sydney
  3. IMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
  4. Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick
  5. University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
  6. Implementation to Impact (i2i) , University of New South Wales, Sydney
  7. SWSLHD, Liverpool Hospital
  8. South West Sydney Campuses, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney

Background: Geriatric assessment improves outcomes for older people with cancer; yet its routine implementation in oncology settings remains limited. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder implementation is essential for sustainable adoption of geriatric oncology models of care. This study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to evaluate the implementation determinants associated with a nurse-led geriatric oncology model of care for older people with lung cancer.

 

Aim: To identify facilitators and barriers influencing implementation of a nurse-led geriatric oncology model of care using the CFIR.

 

Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted using four multidisciplinary focus groups across pre-, mid-, and post-implementation phases. Key stakeholders involved in the design, delivery or uptake of the model of care were purposively invited to participate. Data were analysed using directed content analysis guided by the CFIR.

 

Results: Four focus groups, involving 14 multidisciplinary stakeholders, were conducted across the implementation period with several participants contributing at multiple time points. CFIR analysis demonstrated that implementation determinants evolved over time. Participants consistently viewed the model as addressing patient needs through flexible, coordinated, and person-centred care. Patient needs and resources and Adaptability were consistently identified as key implementation facilitators. Available resources remained the predominant barrier throughout implementation, while Leadership engagement and Relative priority were also identified as barriers.

 

Conclusion: The nurse-led geriatric oncology model of care was perceived as acceptable, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of older people with lung cancer. Sustained implementation and future scale-up will require strategies to address persistent workforce and organisational resource constraints. These findings provide important implementation insights for embedding geriatric oncology care into routine cancer services.