CanNET Tasmania

What is CanNET?

Cancer Australia, the Australian Government’s National Cancer Agency, has developed the Cancer Services Networks National Demonstration Program (CanNET) to better link regional and metropolitan cancer services. CanNET aims to improve access to quality, clinical effective cancer services throughout Australia, particularly for specific population groups that may currently have poorer cancer outcomes, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people living in rural and regional areas.

CanNET involves the Australian state and territory governments working collaboratively with consumers of cancer services and primary, secondary and tertiary health professionals to improve outcomes through better coordination of existing services. There are seven CanNET projects, one in each state and the Northern Territory. Together these have to potential to provide cover to 8 million Australians.

For further information regarding CanNET visit Cancer Australia CanNET

http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cannet-homepage.aspx

What is CanNET Tasmania?

The lead agency for CanNET Tasmania is the Department of Health and Human Services. CanNET Tasmania offers an opportunity to trial a range of initiatives aimed at developing effective processes and systems to link health care providers in different regions, ensure better access to the most appropriate treatment, care and support and improve cancer outcomes. The work undertaken through CanNET Tasmania will contribute to the establishment of the Tasmanian Cancer Clinical Network – an initiative of Tasmania’s Health Plan 2007. CanNET Tasmania is supported by a Clinical Leader, the Program Team, a Steering Committee and Advisory Group representative of all stakeholders, including those affected by cancer.

CanNET Tasmania Initiatives

The work being undertaken by CanNET Tasmania consists of a number of projects with focus on multidisciplinary care, information technology, active consumer involvement and care coordination. Specific projects include:

  • The development of a Cancer Services Framework and Strategic Cancer Plan to guide service improvement and provision over the next 5 years.

A draft Strategic Framework for Statewide Cancer Services has already been developed to promote the establishment of a cohesive, integrated statewide approach to cancer control that draws on the best available evidence, builds on national and international experience of success and seeks to enable service to equal or exceed international benchmarks of excellence. The broad consultation process underway will result in the Framework being confirmed and the development of a Strategic Cancer Plan. Once finalised, a link to this Framework and Plan will be provided from this website.

  • The establishment of mechanisms to ensure consumers are involved in service delivery planning;
  • The development of a directory of services  to provide consumers with information about multi-disciplinary assessment teams and cancer services.
  • The development of multidisciplinary assessment processes to ensure all new cases of lung and colorectal (bowel) cancer are assessed by a multidisciplinary team.
  • The establishment of cancer care coordinator roles to support both the patient and multidisciplinary approaches.
  • The development of care and referral pathways for lung and colorectal bowel cancer.
  • The development of agreements and guidelines for linking with interstate multidisciplinary teams for some of the less common cancers.
  • The development of an information exchange hub for service-providers, allowing for the secure sharing of information between service providers.
  • Facilitating the inclusion of Tasmania in the national CanNET Consumer Survey. This Survey aims to drive quality improvement in cancer care by assessing the experiences and perceptions of people affected by cancer.

CanNET Tasmania Newsletters

http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cannet-homepage/about-cannet/where-is-cannet.aspx