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CIRCS Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service“To champion safe and high quality care for people affected by cancer”

CIRCSCentral Integrated Regional Cancer Service

Queensland Remote Chemotherapy Supervision Guide

(QReCS) – Chemo closer to home

Leisa Brown: CIRCS Nurse Educator

CIRCS Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service

Queensland Department of Health

• Recognises the need to explore innovative ways to bring sustainable and equitable care to Queenslanders


QLD Telehealth Infrastructure

• Largest managed Telehealth Network in Australia

• Over 2000 systems (hardware and software)

• More than 200 facilities(Andrew Bryett – Director Telehealth Services: Dept. of Health – QLD: 2015)

Aim…to support the safe

and sustainable

administration of

chemotherapy closer to

home for patients from

rural and remote areas

using Telehealth

technologies


10 Requirements1. Strategy and governance

2. Financial considerations

3. Workforce

4. Chemotherapy medication management

5. Telehealth readiness

6. Chemotherapy administration readiness

7. Information technology and support

8. Legislation and special consideration

9. Education and training

10.Documentation and discharge


Provider and Recipient

QReCS adopts the hierarchy of

health services in accordance with

the Clinical Services Capability

Framework


Workforce


Technology

• Real time videoconferencing technology is essential

• Standard videoconferencing equipment will generally be

adequate to support chemotherapy administration

• For assessing reactions, video or web cameras used at

recipient site need to have the capacity for close ups whilst

retaining good resolution

• Essential that the technology and communication systems

have the capacity to support live audio and video interactive

links


Training Delivery

Combination of delivery models are used to maintain an

inclusive and interactive learning experience with technology

playing a key role:

• E-learning

• Interactive workshops via videoconferencing

• Simulated skill demonstrations and practice via

videoconferencing and face-to-face

• Competency assessments via videoconferencing and face-to-

face


Cancer Service Implementation• Nurses in rural and remote communities administer

chemotherapy upon completion of relevant education

and a minimum of 3 days supervised clinical practice

placement at provider site

– CIRCS Cancer Education Program supports staff to acquire

theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to meet QReCS

requirements

– >1300 participants in program during 2014


QReCS


Cancer Care Closer to Home

• Telehealth technologies have been integral to:

– Expanding the knowledge and skills of the staff providing care in

rural and remote locations

– Saving patient travel expenditure and enhancing quality of

life by bringing care closer to home

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/circs/html/qrecs.asp


Acknowledgments • Dr Sabe Sabesan – Townsville Cancer Centre and Tropical

Centre for Telehealth Practice and Research, The Townsville

Hospital

• Maree Bransdon – CIRCS

• Geoffrey Bryant – CIRCS

The patients and health care staff in rural and remote

communities that have supported the implementation of the

QReCS model

central integrated regional cancer service · circs central integrated regional cancer service...

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