[PDF] Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer

Contents

Welcome and introduction

Summary

Intent of the optimal care pathways

Optimal care pathway resources

Principles of the optimal care pathway

Principle 1: Patient-centred care

Principle 2: Safe and quality care

Principle 3: Multidisciplinary care

Principle 4: Supportive care

Principle 5: Care coordination

Principle 6: Communication

Principle 7: Research and clinical trials

Summary - optimal timeframes

Optimal care pathway

Step 1: Prevention and early detection

Step 3: Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning

Step 4: Treatment

Step 5: Care after initial treatment and recovery

Step 7: End-of-life care

Contributors and reviewers

Appendix A: Supportive care domains

Appendix B: Psychological needs

Appendix C: Special population groups

Appendix D: Complementary therapies

Resource list

Glossary

References

similar for all cancers and, if followed, are likely to achieve the best outcomes for patients and their

Australia has an excellent healthcare system, but the pathway for cancer patients can be complex. Often

multiple health professionals are involved and both public and private types of health care are used. Our

cancer survival rates are as good as anywhere in the world, but many patients still report difficulties

integrated model of cancer care that puts the patient's needs first, along with the best of technical care.

They provide a national standard for the high-quality cancer care that all Australians should expect. We

all believe when it comes to cancer care, our patients and their families deserve the best care available.

practitioners and other doctors to allied health professionals, nurses and managers of cancer services.

Guides to

The optimal care pathways are endorsed by Cancer Australia, the former National Cancer Expert Reference

through this committee, to the former Council of Australian Governments Health Council) and all states and

Professor Robert J S Thomas OAM

Welcome and introduction

Patients first - optimal care 1

Summary

Support: Assess supportive care needs at every step of the pathway and refer to appropriate health professionals or organisations.

Signs and symptoms

The following unexplained, persistent

Signs and symptoms

Step 2:

Presentation, initial investigations and referral

Checklist

Alcohol intake discussed and recorded and support for reducing alcohol consumption offered if appropriate

Physical activity recorded

Referral to a dietitian considered

Education on being sun smart considered

Step 1:

Prevention and early detection

Prevention

Stop smoking. All patients who currently

Frame conversations about smoking

Avoid exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

Prevent occupational exposure to asbestos, silica, radon, heavy metals, diesel fumes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Risk factors

Lifestyle factor:

Environmental factors:

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium, radon, asbestos, silica, iron and steel founding, nickel, beryllium, chromium VI, paint, diesel exhaust

Personal factors:

Indigenous Australians are approximately

5-year survival compared with non-

Indigenous Australians.

Early detection

Increased use of CT scans has led to

Screening recommendations

There is currently no national screening

The optimal care pathways describe the standard of care that should be available to all cancer patients treated in

Australia. The pathways support patients and carers, health systems, health professionals and services, and encourage

consistent optimal treatment and supportive care at each stage of a patient"s journey. Seven key principles underpin the

guidance provided in the pathways: patient-centred care; safe and quality care; multidisciplinary care; supportive care;

Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer.

Support: Assess supportive care needs at every step of the pathway and refer to appropriate health professionals or organisations.

Step 2:

Diagnosis and staging

Lung cancer may be diagnosed through:

PET-CT scan)

CT or ultrasound-guided biopsy or aspiration

Staging for lung cancer involves:

CT scans of the chest and upper

assessment by a surgeon with thoracic/lung cancer expertise in cases where curative treatment is being considered. Imaging and/or pathological conrmation of the most advanced site of disease may be required.

Molecular testing and biomarker testing

Genetic testing

Familial causes are rare in lung cancer

Treatment planning

The multidisciplinary team should discuss

Research and clinical trials

Consider enrolment where available and