The RBCO cycle

The Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes (RBCO) program is implemented using the RBCO cycle. This involves a series of steps made in collaboration with key organisations and individuals across the NSW cancer health system.

Reviewing cancer control data

Throughout the year, measures and quality indicators are developed to assess different areas of cancer control. Data for these measures and indicators are collected from multiple sources, before being linked and analysed. The findings are then used to identify variations in cancer control between geographical areas and population groups.

To ensure the program provides relevant and meaningful information, time-limited clinical advisory groups are convened during each RBCO cycle. These groups advise on the way data are analysed, interpreted and presented, providing greater understanding of clinical variation and potential areas for quality improvement.

Engaging with the cancer health system

The RBCO program collaborates with the following health services to improve cancer outcomes across NSW, including:

• 15 local health districts
• One speciality health network
• 10 primary health networks
• Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
• ACT Health
• Private and co-located hospitals
• Private radiotherapy centres.

The RBCO Program

The RBCO Program is more than just a series of reports. Engagement with clinicians, managers and executives across the health system is essential to help drive improvements in cancer care. RBCO engagement activities include:

• Clinical engagement: obtaining key stakeholder input into the RBCO program.
• Health system engagement: meetings between the Cancer Institute NSW and health system leaders to discuss RBCO report findings to facilitate continuous quality improvement.
• Innovations in cancer control grants
• Specialist cancer centres program: initiative that aims to improve cancer outcomes and inform people where to receive specialised cancer treatment.