Download Annual Cancer System Quality Index Now Available

May 18, 2016
For Immediate Release
Annual Cancer System Quality Index Now Available
Data already leading to meaningful change for patients in Windsor-Essex
WINDSOR – Patients receiving cancer treatment in Windsor are among the most satisfied in the province when it comes
to the patient experience, but there is room for improvement according to the results of the latest Cancer System
Quality Index (CSQI) 2016 that was released today by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario.
The CSQI measures 39 indicators from screening to end-of-life care and survivorship. The results are reported by region
and allow Cancer Care Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to track and assess the quality and
consistency of the cancer system in Ontario and identify areas that need improvement.
“Having access to this kind of data allows us to make meaningful change,” says Monica Staley Liang, Regional Vice
President of the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program. “This year’s report shows a number of improvements in our
system and it also shows us where we need to direct our attention as we go forward to improve the experience and
outcomes for our patients.”
Staley Liang says the information in the report is used to help improve the system and the experience for patients. “One
of the things this year’s report showed was that our patients feel we are not doing enough to respond to their worries,
and feelings of sadness,” said Staley Liang.
Based on the results, her team is already looking at ways to improve the patient experience. The team is looking at
innovative approaches to investing the dedicated quality improvement funding that the centre receives annually from
Cancer Care Ontario.
Additional findings from the CSQI 2016 show the Erie St. Clair LHIN:
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Has above average risk factors for cancer. Individuals are more likely to smoke and consume more than the
recommended amount of alcohol, they are also more likely to be obese and less likely to eat vegetables or
exercise.
Has above average incident rates of lung, prostate and female breast cancer and below average incidents of
colorectal cancer.
Has below average rates of screening for most cancers.
Has one of the quickest wait times for patient pathology results. This allows a quicker start to their care plans
and treatments.
Has above average scores for most areas related to patient satisfaction with their experience.
“The data provides us with a great opportunity to continue to improve care across the spectrum of cancer services
which could not only improve patient satisfaction and expectations, but also the potential for better outcomes,” says
Dr. Ken Schneider, Chief of Oncology.
Schneider adds, “It should not be seen as a competition, but rather a goal of committed and passionate health care
providers and cancer programs to use their resources and skill to maximum potential. By doing so we can all succeed
and build on the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. The CSQI has raised the bar for cancer care in
Ontario and we are all the better for it.”
For more information on the CSQI, please visit http://www.csqi.on.ca
The Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program (ESC RCP) is a network of stakeholders, healthcare professionals and
organizations involved in cancer prevention and care across the Erie St. Clair LHIN (Chatham-Kent, Sarnia/Lambton and
Windsor/Essex) and is one of 14 Regional Cancer Programs created and are funded through Cancer Care Ontario. The
ESC RCP regional leadership is provided through Windsor Regional Hospital’s Cancer Program.
Cancer Quality Council of Ontario - The Cancer Quality Council of Ontario (http://www.cqco.ca), established in 2002 by
the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), is an arm’s length advisory body to Cancer Care Ontario (CCO),
set up to provide advice to CCO and the MOHLTC in their efforts to improve the quality of cancer care in the province.
-30For more information contact:
Allison Johnson, Manager, Communications
Windsor Regional Hospital
519-995-0577 (cell) / [email protected]
Ron Foster, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
Windsor Regional Hospital
519-995-2482 (cell) / [email protected]