Background and Context:
Manitoba is one of 10 Canadian Provinces. It has a total population of 1, 260, 000 people spread over a land mass larger than Japan and twice the size of the United Kingdom. The majority (730,000) people live in the capital city of Winnipeg. The remainder of the provinces population is spread over a large rural and remote geographical area. This presents challenges to provide equitable access to comprehensive cancer care for all Manitobans.
Aim:
To provide comprehensive cancer care closer to home.
Strategy/Tactics:
Programme/Policy Process:
The Community Cancer Programs Network (CCPN) is an innovative program of CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) that works in partnership with the Regional Health Authorities enabling patients living outside of Winnipeg to receive their cancer care closer to home. The CCPN is comprised of 15 Community Cancer Programs (CCPs), the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC), and the Community Cancer Resource and Support Program (CCRSP).
Community Cancer Program sites are outpatient units located in community hospitals and are staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of family physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other health professionals who have received specialized education in oncology. The initial education takes place in the urban centre of Winnipeg at CCMB. This group of specialists work with CancerCare Manitoba oncologists and staff to provide comprehensive cancer care, including systemic therapy, follow-up care and support closer to home. This allows patients to stay connected to their families and communities and decrease the financial burden associated with cancer. The Oncologist maintains ongoing contact with the CCP team and retains overall responsibility for the patient's care.
Outcomes/What was learned:
In 2012-2013, over 29,000 outpatient visits occurred at Community Cancer Programs in Manitoba, saving patients more than 11 million km of travel. This means 110,000 additional hours that patients could spend with their families, friends and community supports.