Pilot Outcomes
There were four clear outcomes from the MPCCC collaborative care pilot for cancer-related depression:
- Validation that the treatment protocol is effective and is acceptable to (most) cancer patients;
- Upskilling of a cohort of community-based psychologists, who are now qualified to provide specialised treatment to cancer patients;
- New referral pathways for oncology teams, supporting them to address the needs of their patients in a timely, affordable manner that is convenient to patients;
- Determination that the model of shared care is feasible and could easily be implemented state-wide to benefit all Victorian cancer patients.
MPCCC will look to pilot other collaborative care models in future, given the robustness, acceptability and effectiveness of this model.