Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Learnings from the Optimal Care Pathway for people living in rural and remote areas with cancer: Recommendations to support the development of equitable cancer pathways (146491)

Hannah Jongebloed 1 , Florian Honeyball 2 3 , Carmel O'Kane 4 , Rebecca J Bergin 1 5 6 , Anna Chapman 1 , Sharina Riva 1 , Emily Lavcanski 1 , Megan Varlow 7 , Kate Whittaker 8 , Charlene Wright 1 , Helena Rodi 1 , Dorothy Keefe 9 , Vivienne Milch 9 10 , Skye Marshall 1 , Anna Ugalde 1
  1. Institute for Health Transformation, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  2. School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Dubbo, NSW, Australia
  3. Western Cancer Centre Dubbo, Western New South Wales Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, Australia
  4. Wimmera Cancer Centre, Grampians Health, Horsham, VIC, Australia
  5. Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  6. Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  7. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  8. Cancer Care Policy, Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  9. Cancer Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  10. Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Aims: Cancer care pathways define best-practice care with a strong emphasis on equity, and adherence to these pathways is associated with improved patient outcomes. We present an overview of how the recommended Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) development steps were operationalised and, informed by our experience in developing the Rural and Remote OCP, provide recommendations for cancer pathway development.

Methods: This project was conducted as part of the Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) program, a transdisciplinary research program dedicated to understanding and reducing rural cancer inequities. A national OCP working group was appointed, chaired by a Medical Oncologist and Nurse Practitioner practicing in rural Australia. Development of the Rural and Remote OCP was guided by applying and operationalising the methodology outlined in the National Optimal Care Pathways Framework and the Optimal Care Pathways toolkit. 

Results: Three OCP documents were developed in 2025, nationally endorsed, and launched in 2026: the Optimal Care Pathway, Quick Reference Guide, and Guide to Best Cancer Care. Recommendations to strengthen future cancer framework development in Australia and internationally included: Early consultation across the sector; National representation on a diverse working group; Embedded consumer engagement; Recognition of the diversity of rural and remote settings; and Development of appropriate and accessible documents.

Conclusions: As cancer plans prioritise equitable outcomes for all people affected by cancer, attention must be paid to how cancer care pathways are produced, resourced, and implemented to support these equity goals. The recommendations arising from the development of the Rural and Remote OCP are relevant to care pathways and policy beyond oncology and across international settings, highlighting key considerations in the development of evidence-based standards to drive improved and equitable care delivery.