21st January 2025
Civica and Public Policy Projects publish report on transforming cancer pathways through digital innovation
Civica, a global GovTech champion supporting the needs of citizens and those who serve them, has partnered with Public Policy Projects (PPP), a leading organisation in health and life sciences policy delivery, to publish the report Improving cancer pathways: challenges, overcoming barriers and digital solutions. The report explores what defines an effective cancer care pathway, highlights critical innovations needed and analyses barriers to implementation, with a particular focus on digital transformation.
The report builds on insights from a roundtable hosted by PPP in September 2024, which explored how digital technology can improve pathways for patients and clinicians. Chaired by Gillian Rosenberg, Cancer Innovation Lead at NHS England, the discussion brought together clinical oncologists, clinical nurse specialists, industry experts, GPs and representatives from Cancer Alliances and The Health Innovation Network.
Key findings underline the need for overarching guidance and standardised pathways in cancer care. Foundational barriers, such as interoperability challenges and the lack of a unified electronic patient record, hinder efficiency and highlight the importance of adopting transformative technologies. Empowering patients through improved health literacy can enhance symptom recognition and early diagnosis. Digital patient feedback tools have the potential to streamline patient care and appointment management, while multidisciplinary team meetings, though vital, may require reform to handle increasing caseloads efficiently. The report provides actionable recommendations to address these challenges and leverage technology across the UK healthcare system to transform cancer pathways.
“This report neatly outlines some of the key challenges and opportunities facing cancer services in the UK, along with some practical recommendations,” said Ali Malik, Managing Director at the NCL Cancer Alliance. “It is imperative that we adopt and scale some of the emerging digital technologies to promote equitable access for all patients and improve the sustainability of our cancer pathways.”
Paul Sanders, Executive Director of Health and Care at Civica, added, "Technology has immense potential to transform cancer care, making early diagnosis and improved patient pathways a reality. At Civica, we are committed to addressing the needs of patients and the professionals who support them daily. By embracing automation and seamless data integration, we can reduce inefficiencies, empower clinical staff and improve decision-making. This helps create smoother cancer pathways and supports those delivering life-changing care every day."
Download the full report for detailed insights and recommendations here.
About Civica
Civica is a global GovTech champion focused on developing critical cloud-based software and services that are integral to the everyday lives of citizens around the world. Our software and services are deeply embedded in the operations of Central/ Federal, State and Local Government and the Public Sector. From education to health and care, more than 6,000 customers across the globe trust and partner with Civica to help provide critical services to more than 100 million citizens. With operations in 7 countries across Europe, APAC and North America and more than 20 years of experience, we’re passionate about supporting the needs of citizens and those that serve them every day. Find out more: www.civica.com