Clinical Scorecard: Exploring Inequities in Lung Cancer Management: A Comprehensive Spatio-Temporal Study of Multidisciplinary Meeting Presentations, Supportive Care Assessments, and Diagnostic Timeliness in Victoria

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia with a 5-year survival rate of only 17%.
• Significant variability exists in MDM presentation (29.7–94%) and supportive care screening (2–79%).
• The Victorian Lung Cancer Registry (VLCR) monitors quality of care against 25 Clinical Quality Indicators (CQIs).
• Geographic and temporal inequities in lung cancer care were identified using a Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling framework.
• The study aims to inform strategies for improving equity and consistency in cancer care delivery.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Timely diagnosis defined as a referral-to-diagnosis interval of ≤ 28 days.

Management

• MDM presentation should occur between diagnosis and initiation of first definitive treatment.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Utilize Clinical Quality Registries (CQRs) to benchmark performance indicators against best practice guidelines.

Risks

• Inequitable care due to geographic and socioeconomic disparities.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) from 2011 to 2022.

Emphasis on timely and coordinated care through MDM presentations and supportive care assessments.

Clinical Best Practices

• Ensure equitable access to diagnostic and supportive care services.
• Regularly assess and address geographic disparities in lung cancer care.
• Implement continuous quality improvement strategies based on CQR data.

References

• Victorian Lung Cancer Registry
• Optimal Care Pathway for Lung Cancer