Australian experience of neuro-oncology care coordination: a conversation

The role of care coordinator was introduced to support patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who work within a specialty, as well as to optimize and standardize care. Specifically, the role of neuro-oncology care coordinator is a developing one-and one that has encountered various barriers and difficulties. Patients diagnosed with neurologic cancer must endure a disease trajectory and multimodal treatment approach that present unique challenges to themselves and to the healthcare system. Consequently, the care coordinator role is needed.

This article focuses on the role of the neuro-oncology care coordinator, including its challenges, the needs of patients with neurologic cancer, and the benefits this role can bring.

Three neuro-oncology care coordinators from New South Wales, Australia, discussed their role in the healthcare system via structured meetings, conversations, and email correspondence.

Making others aware of the issues faced by neuro-oncology care coordinators, as well as their patients, may help to solidify necessary supportive roles within the healthcare system.