Fifteen years of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland: The role of Regional Case Managers

Abstract

Objective: A shared care model was implemented in 2006 in Queensland to facilitate paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients receiving care as close to home as possible. Following initial diagnosis, care planning and treatment at the tertiary children's hospital, appropriate local care was coordinated by Regional Case Managers (RCMs) established at each of 10 Shared Care Units (SCUs). This enabled safe and quality regional care supported by a statewide network providing clinical governance and education. This paper examines learnings from 15 years of this shared care. Setting: Ten hospitals throughout Queensland facilitated a statewide model of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients, supported by a tertiary hub in Brisbane. Participants: Regional Case Managers in Shared Care Units and their supporting staff. Design Staff from SCUs were surveyed and focus group interviews conducted. Results: The paper reviews the attributes, knowledge and experience required for RCMs. Standards of care were supported through education workshops, clinical placements, chemotherapy credentialing, guidelines and standards. RCMs facilitated communication and information sharing with the tertiary centre, advocated for their cohort of patients locally and streamlined and supported the family's experience of care. Conclusion: The RCM role provided invaluable clinical leadership for the care of paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland. As new treatments evolve, the expertise and coordination provided by the RCMs will be even more critical. Achieving high‐quality shared care outcomes is underpinned by the RCMs drive to achieve statewide safety and support for this cohort of children.