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Illawarra Cancer Centre awarded for improving cancer care

Community news
19 Oct 2012
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A team of health professionals at the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre has been recognised for their work which has revolutionised how chemotherapy medication is prescribed and administered, making treatment safer for the Centre’s patients.

innovation and technology can significantly improve the treatment of people with cancer

Lead by Graeme Bell, the team was awarded the Cancer Institute NSW's Award for 'Improving cancer care in the community' at the 2012 NSW Health Awards today. Their innovative work has resulted in a dramatic 63 per cent reduction in reported medication incidents.

"Preventable medication incidents are potentially tragic and costly, not only for the patient but for the healthcare professionals involved," said Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute, Professor David Currow.

"It is a world-wide reality of cancer care that administering chemotherapy is complex, and the work done at the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre is an example of how using a patient-centred approach and technology can result in improved cancer outcomes."

Mr Bell and his team developed and launched a new system where prescribing, administering and scheduling medications are now standardised, completely electronic and paperless.

The Illawarra Cancer Centre used the Cancer Institute NSW's eviQ chemotherapy protocols in their new oncology information system to standardise their prescription process and improve accuracy.  This new system means health professionals receive the most up to date information on cancer treatments in order to generate accurate e-records throughout their patient's chemotherapy journey.

"This is the first project of its kind in Australia, and demonstrates how innovation and technology can significantly improve the treatment of people with cancer. The Illawarra Cancer Care Centre is leading the country in the use of wireless technology and the first centre in Australia to have such a sophisticated electronic system for managing patient care through their chemotherapy journey," said Professor Currow.

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