NEMICS Supportive Care Audit of Referral Actions (2025)
NEMICS Supportive Care Audit of Referral Actions (2025)
Cancer supportive care is an essential component of evidence‑based, high‑quality cancer care and is embedded within the nationally recognised Optimal Care Pathways.
In 2025, NEMICS conducted a Supportive Care Referral Actions Audit to build on the findings of the 2024 NEMICS Supportive Care Audit of Patient Needs and to better understand what actions occur once supportive care needs are identified through screening across NEMICS member health services.
The 2024 NEMICS supportive care audit found fatigue, worry, and nervousness were the most frequently reported problems, with most screenings occurring at commencement of new treatment. These results triggered further investigation into actions taken after problems were identified. Distress scores, documented problems, discussions, and actions were reviewed and categorised using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer problem list, following each problem from identification to referral action.
The 2025 audit found fewer than half supportive care screens that identified problems resulted in completed referrals. The reasons for low referral rates are unknown, but may include patient preference for information support rather than referral, the timing of screening and patient’s readiness to accept support, and/or availability of the supportive care workforce to accept referrals.
NEMICS member health services continue to demonstrate commitment to improving supportive care through targeted improvement initiatives supported by NEMICS. Together, the 2024 and 2025 audits aim to inform supportive care service planning, workforce capacity, and improvement opportunities regarding internal and external referral pathways.
