The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) provides free screening using an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) to men and women aged 50–74 years every two years. Those who receive a positive bowel screening test result are recommended to undergo further assessment, which usually involves having a colonoscopy.
There is a substantial shift towards earlier stage diagnosis and prevention of bowel cancer related deaths through participation in the NBCSP. A reduction in the number of bowel cancer cases and the number of deaths attributed to bowel cancer leads to reduced costs of treatment.
To continue to reduce both the incidence of bowel cancer and health care costs, increased participation in the program will need to be matched with timely access to high-quality colonoscopy.
The Leading Better Value Care (LBVC) Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) initiative seeks to address the challenges created as a result of increased participation in the NBCSP, as well as the increase in the overall demand for colonoscopies through:
- The state-wide implementation of DAC services for patients with a positive iFOBT.
- Triaging and prioritisation of colonoscopy wait lists.
The Mid North Coast Local Health District has been working toward the implementation of a Direct Access Colonoscopy pathway. A pilot program will commence in Coffs Harbour during July 2020. This pathway will also be available in Port Macquarie in the coming months.
Referrals will only be accepted via the use of the electronic ‘Request For Admission’ form available for Best Practice and Medical Director software, but is also available as fillable PDF.
For more enquiries, please contact Leading Better Value Care Program manager at [email protected].
Refer to the HealthPathway for Colonoscopy for more information and the admission form.
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