The Ministry of Health contracted with Health Outcomes International (HOI) in April 2010 to develop a plan to implement the Guidance for Improving Supportive Care for Adults with Cancer in New Zealand.
As part of the project methodology, the following three priority areas were identified:
- care co-ordination
- psychosocial support
- information support.
HOI then undertook further research of these three areas including an electronic stocktake survey, key informant interviews and targeted literature reviews. Based on the research a set of immediate and ‘realistic’ actions along with longer-term ‘aspirational’ actions have been proposed in the attached implementation plan.
The research findings are documented in greater detail in the accompanying report Implementing Supportive Care Guidance Project: Priority Areas Research Report.
The recommendations outlined in the implementation plan will be prioritised and used to inform the Ministry, Regional Cancer Networks, District Health Boards and Non-governmental Organisations annual work plans over the next five years.