Cancer care coordinators: what are they and what will they cost?

Health care resources are scarce, and future funding increases are less likely than in the past; reorientation of health services to more efficient and effective delivery is as timely as ever. In this light, we consider the recent funding decision by the Government to provide $16 million over the next 4 years for cancer coordination nurses. While the intricacies of the role are still being defined, it is likely that cancer care coordinators could benefit patients in terms of access to and timeliness of care, and patient satisfaction. Our research into the role shows that many coordinating activities for cancer patients are already being done, but often in an ad hoc manner by a number of different personnel. Thus, we estimate that the likely 'true' incremental cost of cancer care coordinators is in fact relatively low when considered in opportunity cost terms because the cancer care coordinator will be able to free up time for other staff enabling them to provide care elsewhere in the health system and reduce tasks being unnecessarily repeated. The funding of cancer care coordinators is a great opportunity to improve the timeliness of care and improve the experience of patients through their cancer journey, but the success of these roles depends on the leadership provided, peer support, continual appraisal and the resources available.