The VICS' most recent strategic consultation – its first to specifically target endometrial cancer – has surveyed stakeholders across the state about patterns of care. 119 multidisciplinary health professionals and other stakeholders were asked to select perceived 'unwarranted variations' in endometrial cancer care in their region and describe barriers, enablers, and preferences for optimal care.
Over half of respondents felt access to bariatric surgery was a key
unwarranted variation, while close to half identified time from
diagnosis to treatment, time to surgery, and access to supportive care.
Other key unwarranted variations described by multiple respondents included access to clinical trials, delays in time to diagnosis, access to fertility preservation, lack of
presentation at multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs), and access to MDMs.
We noted variation between the perceived unwarranted variations in metropolitan vs regional areas. For example, access to bariatric surgery and supportive care was seen as a limitation in metropolitan areas, but was much less recognised in regional areas. This may be attributed to differences in available services.
These insights will be used by the VICS and our expert advisory panel for this consultation to prioritise unwarranted variations for discussion at a live summit event in November 2024.
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