The Australian Cancer Plan through a Caring Life Course Lens: Moving from Cancer to Care by Placing the Person at the Center of Care

Abstract

<h3>Objective</h3><p>We propose the Caring Life Course Theory (CLCT) as a lens that can inform and enrich national cancer policy and clinical practice. The purpose of this discussion paper is to highlight how a CLCT lens can inform the implementation of a national cancer control plan, using sections of the Australian Cancer Plan as examples—Optimal Care Pathways and the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This discussion paper presents novel suggestions by drawing on CLCT concepts—care biographies, care networks, and self-care. Contrasting “current state” and “future state” vignettes are described to demonstrate how CLCT can help cancer policy move from <em>cancer</em> to <em>care</em>. Based on a robust theoretical lens, recommendations for policy and practice have been made at the micro, meso, and macro levels, with reflection on the nurses’ role, and application to other national cancer control plans.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Optimal care pathways should include holistic assessments that incorporate broader histories at key clinical time points. The Australian Comprehensive Care Network should consider the holistic needs of people affected by cancer, and harness innovative approaches for how these needs can be met in a networked approach. In addition to clinical considerations, understanding of an individual’s care biography, care network, and self-care can inform the delivery of high-quality cancer care. Implementation of these aspects of care will be led by nurses, supported by a multidisciplinary team.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>A CLCT lens can help support implementation of the aspirational person-centered objectives described in the ACP. The potential exists for application of the CLCT approach to other national cancer control plans, including those in low-resource settings.</p><h3>Implications for Nursing Practice</h3><p>Nurses play a vital role in leading the implementation of person-centered dimensions of cancer control plans and core aspects of the CLCT approach.</p>