Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer
SECOND EDITION
Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer
SECOND EDITION
Endorsed by Statement of acknowledgement We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.
This work is available from the Cancer Council website
First published in November 2014. Updated in April 2016. This edition published in June 2021.
ISBN: 978-1-76096-147-3
Cancer Council Victoria and Department of Health Victoria 2021, Optimal care pathway for people with lung cancer, 2nd edn, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne.
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Welcome and introduction i
Summary 1
Intent of the optimal care pathways 5
Optimal care pathway resources 6
Principles of the optimal care pathway 8
Principle 1: Patient-centred care 8
Principle 2: Safe and quality care 10
Principle 3: Multidisciplinary care 11
Principle 4: Supportive care 12
Principle 5: Care coordination 14
Principle 6: Communication 15
Principle 7: Research and clinical trials 17
Summary – optimal timeframes 18
Optimal care pathway 19
Step 1: Prevention and early detection 19
Step 2: Presentation, initial investigations and referral 21
Step 3: Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning 25
Step 4: Treatment 32
Step 5: Care after initial treatment and recovery 40
Step 6: Managing recurrent, residual or metastatic disease 46
Step 7: End-of-life care 50
Contributors and reviewers 53
Appendix A: Supportive care domains 55
Appendix B: Psychological needs 56
Appendix C: Special population groups 57
Appendix D: Complementary therapies 63
Appendix E: Members of the multidisciplinary team for lung cancer 64
Resource list 65
Glossary 68
References 70 Welcome and introduction
On behalf of the optimal care pathways team, welcome to the second edition of the optimal care pathway guides to better cancer care.
Some cancers are simple to treat; many are complex. But the principles of high-quality care are similar for all cancers and, if followed, are likely to achieve the best outcomes for patients and their families and carers.
Australia has an excellent healthcare system, but the pathway for cancer patients can be complex. Often multiple health professionals are involved and both public and private types of health care are used. Our cancer survival rates are as good as anywhere in the world, but many patients still report difficulties during their care and, importantly, outcomes among different groups vary across the country.
That’s why we have developed the optimal care pathways. The optimal care pathways describe an integrated model of cancer care that puts the patient’s needs first, along with the best of technical care. They provide a national standard for the high-quality cancer care that all Australians should expect. We all believe when it comes to cancer care, our patients and their families deserve the best care available.
The optimal care pathways should be read and understood by all those involved in cancer care. This includes all health professionals, from surgeons, oncologists, haematologists, radiologists, general practitioners and other doctors to allied health professionals, nurses and managers of cancer services. Trainees in all disciplines should absorb the messages contained in the optimal care pathways.
We also recommend the optimal care pathways to all people affected by cancer, both patients and carers. We encourage you to use the