Building Connection in Complex Care: Introducing the Sarcoma Community of Practice

This initiative reflects member-driven demand for stronger clinical connection, knowledge exchange and professional support - particularly in areas where practice challenges are unique, complex and and continually evolving. For nurses working in complex or lower-volume tumour streams, connection to peers can be both professionally valuable and personally reassuring.

Why a Sarcoma CoP Matters

Sarcoma presents distinct challenges and sits within a highly specialised field of cancer nursing. It's rarity, combined with the small number of treatement centres, means many nurses encounter sarcoma without having immediate access to tailored information or support.  ANZSA plays a critical role in addressing this gap through dedicated resources, education and support. 

Through this newly established CoP, CNSA and ANZSA will foster a supportive community and platform for shared learning among cancer nurses - including paediatric specialists, regional and remote nurses, and those specialising in or developing an interest in sarcoma. 

CNSA currently supports multiple active CoPs - including Breast Cancer, Rare Cancers and Gastro-intestinal Cancers - and the Sarcoma CoP builds on this growing ecosystem of collaborative learning.

What the Community of Practice will support and build:

• Upskill nurses in sarcoma-specific symptom management, survivorship, and holistic care.
• Build a connected community for sarcoma nurses and those caring for patients with sarcoma.
• Support nurses who may encounter sarcoma infrequently, but play a critical role in ongoing care.
• Provide accessible education through multiple formats, including podcasts, webinars, Communities of Practice and Congress engagement.
• Increase visibility of sarcoma and available resources across the CNSA membership and wider cancer nursing community.

Drawing on the core purpose of CNSA’s CoP model, the Sarcoma Community of Practice aims to elevate patient-centred care by fostering collaboration, shared learning and reflective problem-solving among nurses who share this specialised clinical focus.

Looking Ahead

As CNSA continues to expand its CoP program in response to member needs, the Sarcoma Community of Practice recognises an important gap in specialised nursing support while taking a proactive step toward strengthening workforce capability across rare and complex disease streams.

The inagural Sarcoma Community of Practice meeting will be held from 10.30am (AEDT) on 23 February.

Learn more and register here: Communities of Practice