Accreditation Canada's Standards for Cancer Populations are based on:
Wagner et al’s Chronic Care Model that has been adopted in many provinces and organizations across Canada1
The Expanded Chronic Care Model developed in British Columbia2
Input from an expert multi-disciplinary standards working group, and
An extensive review of research and best practice in cancer care
These standards are for use by health regions or by organizations with a regional mandate that manage and coordinate services for populations with, at risk for, or affected by cancer. The standards emphasize a primary health and population-based approach to integrating cancer services across the continuum of care, from disease prevention through treatment, self-management, and rehabilitation.
Accreditation Canada has also developed standards for cancer services. Unlike the standards for cancer populations, which focus on excellence at the regional level across the continuum of care, the Standards for Cancer Care and Oncology Services address quality and safety at the service delivery level, focusing on care and treatment in acute or institutional settings. The two sets of standards are complementary, designed to be used together where appropriate to coordinate and evaluate the complex reality of cancer services in Canada.
Most services for people with cancer are delivered by primary care providers in the community. Accreditation Canada’s population standards address the importance of primary care, the need to align acute and tertiary care to support the services provided by primary care providers, and the importance of integrating services across the continuum of care.
These standards contain the following subsections:
Investing in cancer services
Partnering with the community
Integrating and coordinating services
Supporting clients to self-manage their care and symptoms
Basing decisions on research and evidence
Using information and information technology
Monitoring quality and achieving positive outcomes
1 Global Perspectives on Chronic Disease Management: The Calgary Conference 2005. Calgary, Alberta. September 25-29, 2005 and Innovations in Rural Chronic Care: The “Beulah Sault” Seniors Health Conference 2006. Lethbridge, Alberta. April 12-13, 2006.
2 Barr VJ et al, (2003). The Expanded Chronic Care Model: An Integration of Concepts and Strategies from Population Health Promotion and the Chronic Care Model. Submitted for publication March 31, 2003.