VICS work presented at COSA 2025

VICS-led and -supported initiatives were presented at the 2025 Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) meeting on 14 posters, in 5 presentations, and at our trade stand.

15 of our staff visited Adelaide in mid-November 2025 to share details and impacts of cancer service improvement initiatives that we’ve delivered recently with our member health services and other partners. Read on for details of what we presented, copies of our posters, and links for more information:

Oral presentations

How optimal is adolescent and young adult cancer care? An audit across an integrated cancer service network

In 2024, NEMICS conducted an audit of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patient electronic medical records across the North Eastern Melbourne area. They made 6 recommendations to improve alignment with the Optimal Care Pathway for AYA patients.

Unheard voices: exploring patient and carer experiences in endometrial cancer care in Victoria

In 2024, the VICS Optimal Care Summits team explored the experience and perspectives of people affected by endometrial cancer, as well as their carers through an online survey, focus groups, and a rapid literature review of Australian studies.

Using statewide cancer indicators to improve timeliness of cancer care: a SMICS-led data-informed initiative

In late 2023, SMICS analysed data from Victoria’s Statewide Cancer Indicator Platform (SCIP), focused on the percentage of newly diagnosed cancer patients receiving first treatment within 28 days of diagnosis across tumour streams. This pilot application of SCIP demonstrated the value of data-driven collaboration. Insights now inform SMICS’ environmental scan program – supporting their member health services to monitor variation, identify outliers, and implement targeted improvements.

Comparative efficacy of exercise therapies to positively impact perioperative outcomes in prostate cancer patients undergoing surgery

GRICS compared the effectiveness of different exercise therapies (aerobic, resistance, pelvic floor muscle exercise, mind-body, and combination therapy) on health-related quality of life, postoperative adverse events, and mortality in prostate cancer patients undergoing surgery.

A 12-month implementation geriatric oncology program: from pilot to new model of care in a rural cancer service

BSWRICS and Western District Health Service piloted a new approach to cancer care for elderly patients. The pilot integrated the Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) and a geriatric oncology multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). After 12 months, these changes had enhanced multidisciplinary decision-making and improved patient support. Patients report feeling more supported throughout their cancer care journey.

Posters

Accelerating alignment with Optimal Care Pathways: a standardised approach to monitoring & reporting

WCMICS led a VICS statewide project to strengthen alignment with Australia’s Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) by developing a consistent, data-driven approach to monitoring and reporting variation in cancer care.

Colorectal cancer – towards optimal care in the Gippsland region

GRICS audited treatment and care pathways for colon and rectal cancer patients in Gippsland, benchmarking local practices against the Optimal Care Pathways for colorectal cancer.

Enhancing cancer care equity through data-driven collaboration and outreach

As the VICS have come together as a unified statewide network, we have made a concerted effort to provide consistent and data-driven insights that support equitable cancer care, by establishing a joint database and standardising our reporting processes.

Geriatric oncology – How can we make this FIT?

SMICS’ Frailty-Informed Treatment (FIT) project aimed to capture the vulnerability of older gastrointestinal cancer patients, inform treatment decisions, and improve supportive care and outcomes within the constraints of stretched resources. The pilot increased supportive care screens and early referrals generated.

Improving gynaecological cancer care coordination between regional and metro. services

GRICS has supported establishment of a multi-health-service Gynae-Oncology Working Group to develop and embed a formalised care pathway between the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre (GCCC) and Monash Health (MH). This includes clearly defined referral, treatment, and communication processes designed to support more timely, reliable, and equitable care delivery.

Online optimal cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people learning package

SMICS brought together Aboriginal health and liaison workers (AHLOs) and cancer nurse educators to codevelop and pilot a learning package on delivering culturally competent cancer services.

Promoting future state health equity: establishment of a culturally and linguistically diverse VICS Optimal Care Summit

The VICS Optimal Care Summits program has begun its first strategic consultation focused on a priority patient population – Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

From insight to impact: building a future-ready workforce in cancer care

WCMICS has introduced a Workforce Quality Improvement Skills Program to empower frontline workers in enhancing their improvement and project management skills.

Piloting a nurse-led survivorship needs assessment and care planning model across metro-west Melbourne

Three WCMICS member health services piloted the integration of survivorship follow-up care into Symptom and Urgent Review Clinics (SURC). Two additional member health services are piloting model delivery via oncology nurses and clinical nurse consultants.

Visualising cancer trends: a SMICS dashboard for localised planning and improvement

SMICS developed an interactive Power BI dashboard to visualise cancer incidence, mortality, and survival across its catchment.

Development of a community of practice for cancer and sexual wellbeing in the Loddon Mallee region, Victoria

In May 2025, LMICS hosted the inaugural meeting of a new community of practice, established in response to strong interest from health professionals in supporting patients with issues related to cancer and sexual wellbeing.

Timeliness of malnutrition screening and dietitian referrals for UGI cancer patients in a regional health service

GRICS audited files for all patients treated (radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy) for upper gastrointestinal cancer in 2023 at a regional health service, to investigate timeliness of malnutrition screening and dietitian assessment.

Transforming psycho-oncology support: a digital solution for clinicians and patients

WCMICS and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre developed the Cancer Mind Care website as a digital solution to deliver tailored mental health support to patients and clinicians.

Enhancing early access to health education and support for oncology patients in the Grampians Region: a program improvement project

Grampians Health developed the ‘Why Wait for Wellness?’ program, with support from a GICS service improvement grant, to deliver timely information on diet, exercise, sleep and stress management following cancer diagnosis and help participants to self-manage during their treatment.