The ECORRA OCP (Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia – Optimal Care Pathways) project, led by Professor Anna Ugalde, is a collaboration between the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research within the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin University and Cancer Council Australia, with support from Grampians Health and cancer clinicians across the country. It directly addresses recommendations from the 2023 Australian Cancer Plan, which identifies people in rural and remote areas as one of 10 priority populations requiring dedicated support. 

The goal is to develop a tailored Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by rural cancer patients. OCPs are nationally recognised guides to best practice cancer care across each stage of a patient’s journey. A dedicated rural-focused version will support more equitable care by tackling barriers such as limited access to specialists, long travel times, and financial stress. 

Launched in September 2024, the 18-month project is currently in the working group stage, bringing together experienced cancer care professionals from across Australia to co-design the new rural OCP. 

“Equitable cancer care in rural and remote areas is vital,” said Carmel O’Kane, Grampians Health Cancer Nurse Practitioner and Manager of the Wimmera Cancer Centre, who is serving as Deputy Chair of the project’s national working group. 

“This project offers a clear, consistent framework to help clinicians deliver high-quality care, closer to home for cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.” 

Grampians Health Oncology Nurse Practitioner Sue Bartlett and Grampians Health Social Worker Catherine Hanns have also joined the national working group, bringing with them years of experience working with cancer patients across regional Victoria. 

“Many of our patients face huge barriers including distance, cost, social isolation, and lack of transport and this impacts their ability to access timely, appropriate treatment,” said Ms Hanns. 

“This project provides an opportunity to advocate for rural patients and ensure their needs are built into a national healthcare framework,” said Ms Bartlett. 

Research is fundamental to enhancing healthcare at Grampians Health. The organisation operates the largest clinical trials unit in western Victoria, including numerous cancer-related studies that directly benefit regional patients. 

Grampians Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Matthew Hadfield said the organisation’s involvement in ECORRA reflects a broader and ongoing commitment to collaboration and research that improves lives across the region. 

“Our team is powered by purpose,” Professor Hadfield said. “We’re always ready to partner with like-minded organisations to advance research and improve health outcomes, particularly for people in rural and remote communities. ECORRA is a great example of what’s possible when clinicians and researchers come together to address real challenges in care delivery.” 

Once completed, the ECORRA OCP will provide a valuable national resource to guide clinicians, on how to improve access to services, and provide treatment closer to home delivering more equitable cancer care for rural and remote Australians. 

For more information, please visit https://ecorra.deakin.edu.au/project/ecorra-ocp/