SMICS to showcase cancer innovations at COSA
The SMICS team is heading to the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Annual Scientific Meeting in November.
SMICS Cancer Information Manager Saeid Reza Kalbasi, Data Analyst Chamaree Jasintha, and Senior Project Managers Jenny Thresher and Jodi Dumbrell have collectively had three poster presentations and one oral presentation accepted as part of the COSA program. Keep reading for the presentation abstracts.
Poster abstracts
Geriatric Oncology- How can we make this FIT?
Jodi Dumbrell 1 , Ranjana Srivastava 2 , Vicki McLeod 2 , Thinza Moe 3 , Vu Nhung 2 , Jeremy Rodrigues 2
Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS), Moorabbin
Oncology, Monash Health, Moorabbin
Aged and rehab division, Monash Health, Moorabbin
Background
Older people have co-morbidities and impairments contributing to higher risks of cancer treatment complications and poorer quality of life[i]. In 2023, 47% of Monash Health patients aged ≥ 65 years receiving systemic therapy for GI (gastrointestinal) cancer presented to emergency departments (ED). The FIT (Frailty Informed Treatment) project aimed to capture the vulnerability of older patients, inform treatment decisions and improve supportive care and outcomes within the constraints of stretched resources.
Methods
This quality improvement pilot ran over 10 months, utilising ASCO’s Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) for newly diagnosed GI cancer patients aged ≥ 65 years considered for systemic therapy. Prior to the first oncology visit, medical notes and PGA results were discussed at a weekly multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) comprising a geriatric oncologist, geriatrician, nurse practitioner and nurse navigator. Geriatric oncology MDM recommendations were clearly labelled in the medical record. Outcome measures included vulnerabilities identified and treatment related complications (from treatment commencement up to 12 weeks). A retrospective cohort of patients ≥ 65 years receiving treatment in 2023 (usual care) was used for comparison.
Results
64 PGAs were completed. Of 39 patients prescribed treatment, 90% were discussed at an MDM with 79 referrals generated to supportive care services and allied health.
FIT showed increased supportive care screens (30 compared to 25) and early referrals generated (79 compared to 44). Whilst treatment dose reductions, delays and cessations were similar in both, greater unplanned admissions (14 compared to 11) and length of stay (14 days compared to 9 days) emerged in the usual care group.
Conclusion
Geriatric assessment provides valuable information about domains typically neglected in routine practice. Results equip cancer professionals with the ability to tailor treatment and supportive care referrals to elderly patients. Identifying vulnerabilities is crucial to accessing safe, high-quality patient-centred health care and limiting treatment complications.
Online Optimal cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Learning package
Jenny Thresher 1
Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, SMICS, East Bentleigh, VIC, Australia
Aims:
Development of an online learning program that provides participants with a comprehensive knowledge of the culturally sensitive care pathways and strategies required to address the unique challenges and disparities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care after initial treatment and recovery.
Methods
Using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander OCP as the framework, and a problem-based learning approach, 3 fictitious patient stories were developed identifying cultural needs across different tumours and stages of the cancer journey. The stories were reviewed for cultural and cancer needs. The package originally piloted across 4 regional/rural and metropolitan health services was positively received. Evaluation highlighted a need to improve accessibility to the material. A partnership with the VCCC Alliance enabled the package to be converted to online, improving the flexibility and accessibility to the learning program.
Results
The 1-day pilot program required 2 facilitators and delivered to 21 participants across 4 regional/rural and metropolitan health services and was positively received. The online learning package has only been available for approximately 6 months. Currently over 53 people have enrolled in the course, across multiple organisations, including interstate . Preliminary feedback of all 4 modules remains positive with a net promotor score (NPS) of 44
Conclusions
The OCCAP learning package is available free and tailored for Aboriginal health workers in primary care or hospital liaison roles and healthcare professionals coordinating cancer care. It has been selected to present at the ACCN Innovations Showcase in July 2025. A masterclass is currently under development to improve application of the knowledge and reduce identified barriers to optimal care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer.
Click the link to check out the OCCAP Learning Package:
Check out the OCCAP Learning Package
Visualising cancer trends: a SMICS dashboard for localised planning and improvement
Saeid Reza Kalbasi 1 , chamaree Jacintha 1
Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, SMICS, East Bentleigh, VIC, Australia
Aims:
To describe the development and implementation of an interactive Power BI dashboard by the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS) that visualises cancer incidence, mortality, and survival across its catchment. This initiative aligns with the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) Data Strategy by improving access to meaningful, localised cancer data to support evidence-based planning and service improvement.
Methods:
SMICS developed the dashboard using 2019–2023 VCR data from the Victorian Cancer Registry. It presents population-level cancer indicators—including incidence rates, mortality rates, and five-year relative survival—disaggregated by tumour group, local government area (LGA), sex, and year. The dashboard includes interactive visualisations, filters, and geographic mapping tools that allow users to explore demographic, spatial, and temporal patterns across the 11 LGAs within the SMICS region. Development was guided by consultation within the SMICS team and leadership to ensure strategic alignment, relevance to local planning priorities, and ease of use. This work supports key priorities in the VICS Data Strategy, including using data as an asset and modernising the way cancer data is communicated and applied.
Results:
The dashboard has enabled more dynamic and meaningful engagement with cancer data. It supports identification of variation in cancer burden and outcomes across tumour streams, locations, and time periods. Early feedback from stakeholders indicates the tool has enhanced data access and supported strategic planning, tumour stream reviews, funding submissions, and quality improvement activities. Refinement is ongoing through technical improvements and integration of updated VCR data.
Conclusions:
This initiative demonstrates how integrated cancer services can transform static registry data into practical, interactive tools. The SMICS dashboard showcases how visualisation can enable responsive, locally relevant, data-informed strategies to improve cancer care and outcomes. It also forms part of SMICS’ broader environmental scan program, supporting regional planning and coordinated improvement efforts across the cancer care system.
Oral Presentation
Using statewide cancer indicators to improve timeliness of cancer care: A SMICS-led data-informed initiative
Saeid Reza Kalbasi 1 , chamaree Jacintha 1 , Zee Wan Wong 1
Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service , SMICS, East Bentleigh, VIC, Australia
Aims:
To illustrate the use of the Statewide Cancer Indicator Platform (SCIP) to identify service delivery gaps and support timely cancer care improvement initiatives in partnership with a member health service within Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS).
Methods:
In late 2023, SMICS accessed SCIP, a statewide data platform using administrative datasets to present time to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcome indicators benchmarked to state-wide averages. Collaborating with clinical leadership at a member health service, SMICS analysed indicators focused on the percentage of newly diagnosed cancer patients receiving first treatment within 28 days of diagnosis across tumour streams. The health service’s performance was benchmarked against statewide data and presented to stakeholders within the Cancer Program and Quality team. While SCIP data reflects a two-year lag, it provided a meaningful baseline for identifying care delivery patterns and gaps, guiding ongoing and future service planning. This process enabled systematic, data-informed discussions about improvement opportunities and priorities.
Results:
SCIP data (2021–22) showed 55% of cancer patients across Victoria received systemic therapy within 28 days of diagnosis, while this health service was below average at 30%. With SMICS facilitating access and interpretation, the findings prompted internal discussions and action planning. Proposed initiatives included a workforce expansion business case and development of alternative care models such as nurse-led clinics, high-acuity discharge clinics, and care coordination roles. These aligned with Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) and the health service’s cancer strategy and service plan. Although implementation was delayed due to financial constraints, SCIP provided a baseline for ongoing monitoring. Findings were presented at a statewide forum to inform broader service improvement and cross-institution learning.
Conclusions:
This pilot application of SCIP demonstrated the value of data-driven collaboration. Insights now inform SMICS’s environmental scan program, supporting services to monitor variation, identify outliers, and implement targeted improvements.
Congratulations to everyone whose abstracts were selected for COSA. Visit the COSA website to view the full event program.
