NSW Primary Health Care Cancer Framework driving system change

Overview

In recognition of the critical role of primary care practitioners in providing person-centred, value-based care across the cancer continuum, the Institute developed the NSW Primary Health Care Cancer Framework (the Framework) in 2021.

The Framework outlines a strategic approach to enhance integration, collaboration and engagement between the cancer system and the primary healthcare sector. It provides guidance to build cross-sector capacity and support coordinated cancer care across diverse settings, including:

Primary health networks (PHNs)

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)

Peak professional bodies

Multicultural health services

Broader primary healthcare sector, including community agencies

Cancer services.

The Framework identifies four key focus areas for collaborative action:

Engagement and partnerships

Equitable and accessible services

Information and communication

Data, evaluation and research.

Link to the NSW Cancer Plan

The Framework supports the NSW Cancer Plan across all four priority areas:

Prevention of cancers
Screening and early detection of cancers
Optimal cancer treatment, care and support
Cancer research

Evaluation methodology

Using a modified Performance Story Report methodology, the Institute used a mixed methods approach, drawing from and analysing quantitative and qualitative program data.

The aim of the evaluation was to measure implementation of the Framework, its associated activities, and any early outcomes observed.

Key findings

Engagement and partnerships

Throughout the life of the Framework, the Institute has strengthened and expanded its engagement with five key primary care stakeholder groups and maintained ongoing partnerships, with the goal of aligning portfolio priorities and increasing responsiveness to developments across the sector. Sector and interagency engagements include:

NSW Primary Health Care Advisory Group

NSW Primary Health Network Community of Practice

Agency for Clinical Innovation

NSW Health Ministry of Health

Primary Health Networks and executives.

Example: the NSW Primary Health Care Advisory Group was established in 2022, in alignment with Framework’s Implementation. The group has three meetings a year with up to 20 broad sector primary care representatives.

“GPs see the downstream flow of the Framework, without knowing it’s there. So that could mean the Institute, in alignment with the Framework, engages with the PHNs and the PHNs engage with activities that impact something that I do”

– General Practitioner, Primary Care Advisory Group Member

“With screening programs, its vital there is some Primary Care input from the sector, particularly people that are at the front face of care”

– General Practitioner, Primary Care Advisory Group Member

The Institute also delivered two primary care-specific symposiums in response to emerging priorities and system needs. These initiatives fostered collaboration and engagement with broad sector representation, bringing together primary care providers, primary health networks, LHD staff, community organisations and other health service providers.

The symposiums provided a valuable platform for information sharing and networking among attendees, helping to lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives in cancer control.

“An excellent line up of topics and experienced speakers, very dedicated to the cause and getting the NLSCP [National Lung Cancer Screening Program] right through extensive collaboration and past learnings from other programs.”

– 2024 NSW Primary Care Cancer Control Symposium Attendee

Since the launch of the Framework, seven webinars have also been delivered to build the capability of primary healthcare providers in various areas of cancer control. The webinars contributed to strengthening provider knowledge across prevention, screening, early detection and clinical trials and were often conducted in partnership with PHNs, the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners or health institutions.

“Help[ed] me to use evidence-based approach in multicultural society”

- Multicultural cancer webinar series attendee

“[The webinar provided] insight on the GP practice involvement in cancer care and the tool kits available to the practice to achieve the desired outcome of reaching out to the community”

– Enhancing Cancer Screening and Prevention in Primary Care webinar attendee

Equitable and accessible services

As part of its efforts to improve the capability of primary healthcare providers, the Institute funded several grants for PHNs to develop or enhance cancer referral pathways. Grants provided to support localisation of Optimal Care Pathways on various cancer types:

South Western Sydney PHN Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic and Referral Pathway Localisation Project (14 November 2022 to 16 February 2024)

Murrumbidgee PHN Prostate Cancer Care Pathways (1 Dec 2022 to 16 February 2024)

Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network Neuroendocrine Tumours NETS Community HealthPathways development (14 November 2022 to 16 February 2024).

Information and communication

The Institute’s stakeholder engagement and promotional efforts have been central to increasing awareness, encouraging uptake and fostering collaboration around the Framework. Specifically, the Institute led the delivery and communication around the Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit (the Toolkit) through four presentations and events.

Example: The Primary Health Care Network Toolkit Reorientation Workshop achieved 100% representation from all 10 Primary Health Networks (N=10) across NSW, with participation from 12 PHN representatives.

“We are appreciative of CI support and initiatives to prioritise QI [quality improvement] activities in practice around cancer screening."

– Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit Reorientation Workshop attendee

What is next

The Institute will continue to implement activities under the Framework.

Visit the Working with Primary Care information to find out about our latest activities.