Melanoma service improvement project at Waitemata DHB
Report with recommendations completes initial phase (March 2010)
The initial phase of the Melanoma Service Improvement Project (MSIP) at the Waitemata DHB has been completed with the release of a report and recommendations. Started in early 2009, the MSIP set out to define and improve the journey of a person diagnosed with melanoma. Underlying this work were the recommendations of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand.
The project included:
- An audit of incoming referrals
- A stock take of patient information resources
- A workshop involving administrative staff and clinicians
- A workshop involving patients.
Through analysis of the above activities, the research team have proposed a series of recommendations for improvement. Among these are:
- Establishing a defined Melanoma Service and a role for a melanoma nurse specialist
- Providing staff with better resources for communicating with and informing patients
- Defining a Waitemata DHB follow-up protocol.
In response to a call for more effective communication by all, the project group have developed a patient communication pack. The pack includes communication aids that are now ready for piloting.
The Implementation Plan for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand was delivered to the Ministry of Health on March 12th. (See Guidelines Implementation) The plan, prepared by the New Zealand Guidelines Group and partners (MelNet, Health Sponsorship Council, Cancer Society, RNZCGP, Regional Cancer Networks) includes a proposal that the Ministry of Health fund a pilot of the patient communication pack and subsequent national uptake of the patient communication pack.
For further information contact melnet@melanoma.org.nz
