Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Patient experience of a bundled care model for early-stage breast cancer in the Australian private health system: Addressing fragmentation and price opacity (146541)

Yvonne Zissiadis 1 2 , Michael Jameson 3 , Nicola Marie Forsyth 1 , wen chan yeow 4 , helen ballal 4 , lee jackson 4 , Sarah Wise 5
  1. Genesiscare, Hollywood Private Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA, Australia
  2. Genesiscare, Bunbury, WA, Australia
  3. Genesiscare, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Sydney, NSW, A
  4. surgery, St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
  5. school of public health, UTS, sydney, NSW, Australia

Aims

Women with early-stage breast cancer in the Australian private health system can face fragmented care, limited price transparency, and poor integration of supportive services, contributing to financial anxiety and psychological distress. This study evaluated patient experience of a novel bundled care model incorporating all treatments in the first year after diagnosis, financial transparency, and a patient navigator.

 

Methods

A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted with two cohorts receiving private breast cancer care in Perth, Western Australia. Cohort 1.1 (n=29) received the Bundle at a capped price, excluding radiotherapy. Cohort 1.2 (n=43) received a modified model with partial price caps but greater cost transparency than standard care. Patient-reported experience was assessed using a modified All. Can survey (n=67) and analysed descriptively. Semi-structured interviews with patients (n=21) were conducted at pilot conclusion and analysed using deductive thematic analysis.

 

Results

Ninety-two percent of survey respondents agreed the Bundle reduced financial worries, and 94% reported good value for money. This featured in both cohorts, ranking above lower prices or capped fees. Out-of-pocket costs differed substantially between cohorts, with radiotherapy the main source of financial and emotional distress in Cohort 1.2. The patient navigator was the most valued Bundle component: all but one respondent reported reduced appointment-related stress, 91% valued navigator liaison with clinicians, and 84% agreed the navigator provided emotional support. Among patients who accessed clinical psychology (24%), many reported they would not have done so independently due to cost, uncertainty, or lack of awareness.

 

Conclusions

Fragmentation and price opacity in Australian private cancer care create distress beyond the clinical burden of treatment. A coordinated bundled model with transparent pricing, embedded navigation, and integrated supportive care improved patient experience and reduced psychological burden. These findings support prioritising care coordination and financial transparency in future private cancer care models.