Index shows Ontario cancer system is using resources more efficiently

TORONTO | Outcomes for cancer patients and the safety of Ontario’s cancer system have been improved by greater system efficiencies, according to the 2016 Cancer System Quality Index (CSQI).The CSQI is an interactive, web-based, quality improvement tool that identifies gaps in the cancer system and drives improvement through regional, provincial, national and international benchmarking.The index measures the performance of the cancer system in Ontario using evidence-based benchmarks set for a total of 39 indicators spanning the cancer journey from screening to survivorship, as well as end-of-life care, along with several measures related to cancer prevention.Improvements shown in the 2016 results, which were released by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario (CQCO), include a reduction in unnecessary or duplicate testing, maximizing the use of radiation investments, and the creation of specialized cancer treatment centres to consolidate expertise.“The Cancer System Quality Index is an important tool to measure the effectiveness of the cancer system and generate evidence that identifies areas for improvement,” says Virginia McLaughlin, Chair of the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario.“Cancer Care Ontario has taken steps to find efficiencies that are based on evidence and improve quality of care. This approach is important given the growing and aging population and the rising costs of cancer therapies that have put increased pressure on the healthcare system.”The CSQI found a number of improvements in efficiency this year, although the CQCO points out there is still room for further improvement in each of these indicators:Reduction in unnecessary screening tests. Fewer people are returning early for screening. Appropriate screening increases system capacity and provides more timely access to testing for those who need it.Reduction in imaging tests. Reducing unnecessary imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans for staging of early-stage cancers frees up space for other patients who require the tests, and lowers exposure of patients to unnecessary radiation and false-positive results.Reduction in wait times. Wait times for radiation treatment have decreased over the last decade, as a result of investments in people, facilities and technology.Improved patient outcomes. Quality of care has improved due to consolidation of cancer surgery at specialized cancer treatment centres.Higher survival rates. Compared with other provinces and international jurisdictions, Ontario cancer survival rates are among the highest, especially among countries with similar socio-economic status and healthcare systems.Read more about the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario

Index shows Ontario cancer system is using resources more efficiently

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