NSW Oncology Groups
NSW Oncology Groups were established by the Cancer Institute NSW in August 2005, to ensure specialised clinical care is optimally coordinated throughout the State.
NSWOGs provide expert guidance for the development of
specialised cancer care in NSW to:
- Advise on standard treatments and the treatment pathways and
protocols for site specific cancers
- Encourage increased participation in clinical trials and other
research
- Establish the data requirements for the specific cancer in
addition to the minimum data set
- Develop educational programs to encourage sub-specialisation
and exchange of knowledge for the specific cancers
- Advise on other issues to promote best practice in the specific
types of cancer.
NSWOG Structure
Twelve cancer specific groups and eight discipline specific
groups have been established, involving over 750 cancer specialist
doctors and nurses, allied health professionals, consumers,
patients, researchers and planners. Five groups are jointly
auspiced; Gynaecology, Urology and Nuclear Medicine with the Agency for Clinical
Innovation (ACI), Radiotherapy with NSW Health, and Patient
Support and Information with The Cancer Council
NSW.
Evaluation
The NSWOG Program was evaluated in 2008, documenting
achievements against the cancer plan, outcomes and ongoing impact
of NSWOG projects, and analysis of membership and meeting
attendance.
Download the NSWOG
Evaluation Report 2005-2008.
Download
the COSA poster: The Cancer Institute New South Wales Oncology
Group (NSWOG): Successes and opportunities for future
development.
Terms of Reference
Aims
NSWOG will be utilised as a method to consult on a range of
issues including:
- To advise on standard treatments and the treatment pathways and
protocols for site specific cancers.
- To encourage greater participation in clinical trials and other
research.
- To establish the data requirements for the specific cancer in
addition to the minimum data set.
- To review and advise on cancer registry data reports.
- To review Cancer Institute NSW reports and other publications
prior to publication.
- To promote continuing education and to encourage
sub-specialisation and exchange of knowledge for the specific
cancers.
- To advise on other issues that will promote best practice in
the specific types of cancer.
- To review state-wide, national and international research.
Membership
- Membership of NSWOG is open to anyone with an interest in
cancer.
- Application for membership will be sent to the NSWOG
Secretariat and will be reviewed by the Cancer Institute NSW in
consultation with the NSWOG Chair.
- Membership should consist of at least one representative from
each Local Health District with all oncology health professional
disciplines represented and at least 2 consumers or community
representatives.
- Membership is to be reviewed every 24 months.
- Members are to adhere to the Cancer Institute NSW's Code of
Conduct for Committees and Subcommittees.
Participation
The Chair will be responsible for determining who should be
consulted and the appropriate methodology to be used on an
individual project basis.
Members of an expert advisory panel will be responsible
for:
- Reviewing and providing feedback and advice in the allocated
timeframes.
- Making themselves available for face-to-face or virtual
consultations as required.
- Utilising eviQ to access up-to-date project information.
- Working closely and collaboratively with the Chair and other
expert advisory panel members.
CINSW will be responsible for:
- Arranging meetings and establishing web-based communication
methodologies for clinical consultation activities.
- Coordinating clinical consultation panels and acting as
secretariat.
- Being the contact for members (particularly the Chair),
Divisions of the Cancer Institute NSW and NSW Health/Local Health
Districts.
- Developing effective and appropriate consultation methodologies
pertaining to the requirements of each project and activity
requiring clinical input and advice.
- Developing and maintaining online information repository
(through eviQ).
- Developing and implementing appropriate guidelines, policies
and procedures for each consultation methodology.
Office Bearers
Each NSWOG will elect a Chair and Deputy Chair by secret ballot
for a term of 24 months. The Chair of each NSWOG will be a
member of the NSWOG Executive and attend bi-annual meetings of the
Executive or elect a committee member to attend on their
behalf.
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