The RBCO cycle

The Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes (RBCO) program is implemented using the RBCO cycle.

This involves a series of steps made in collaboration with key organisations and individuals across the NSW cancer health system.

The RBCO cycle of clinical engagement and continuous improvement.

 

Reviewing cancer control data

Throughout the year, measures and quality indicators on the different areas of cancer control are developed. Data for these measures and indicators are collected from multiple sources, before being linked and analysed. The findings are then used to identify variations in cancer control between geographical areas and population groups.

Input from clinicians is essential to ensure the information resulting from this process is relevant and meaningful to those involved in the cancer health system. For this reason, time-limited clinical advisory groups are convened throughout the RBCO cycle. These groups advise on the way data are analysed, interpreted and presented, providing greater understanding of clinical variation and potential areas for quality improvement.

Engaging with the cancer health system

The RBCO program works with the following health services to improve cancer outcomes:

  • 15 local health districts
  • one speciality health network
  • 10 primary health networks
  • Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
  • ACT Health
  • private and co-located hospitals
  • private radiotherapy centres.

 

Working with the cancer health system to understand why variations occur provides opportunities to further improve cancer control in NSW.