Now Available: new McGrath Model of Care

This update is being shared so cancer nurses and services are aware the resource exists, can review what it includes, and can consider whether elements are useful in their own local context.

What the Model includes

The resource is provided as an interactive PDF, designed to be easy to navigate and use in practice. It outlines:

• Key stages of cancer care and how supportive care needs may change over time
• Roles and providers involved across the multidisciplinary team
• Linked information and support resources intended to help manage impacts of cancer and treatment, with publicly accessible links throughout
• A focus on supporting quality of life and addressing needs for patients and family carers, including navigating challenging situations and support pathways

Why it may be useful (even if you are outside the McGrath program)

For cancer services and nurses outside the McGrath program, the Model may still be useful as a:

• Reference point for structuring supportive care discussions and nursing priorities
• Navigation and signposting tool to reputable resources (with links you can access without logins)
• Conversation starter for local service review: what already exists, what is missing, and where equity gaps may sit

Importantly, the Model is shared here as a resource, noting that individual services may want to assess applicability against local pathways, workforce models, and patient population needs.

The Model has been developed in the context of national reform, with stated alignment to the Australian Cancer Plan and the specialist support services approach being progressed through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP). It also describes a strong emphasis on equity principles in access to supportive cancer care.

The Model is freely available to download, and all links within the PDF are designed to be publicly accessible.

Find out more: CNSA Webinar

To help cancer nurses and services understand the resource and assess potential applicability in their own setting, CNSA is hosting a webinar with the McGrath Foundation on Tuesday 24 February at 7:00pm AEDT. The session will cover how the Model was developed, what it contains, and practical guidance on how to use it and evaluate its relevance for services beyond the McGrath program. Click here to register.