Tuesday 24 February 

12.30 - 1.30pm

In this webinar, we explored the concept of equity-oriented cancer care and opportunities for equity-informed care, with a focus on people experiencing homelessness and cancer. 

Equity-oriented cancer care: What it is, why it matters, and how systems can respond 

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have higher rates of cancer, later stage at diagnoses and experience systemic barriers to accessing cancer and palliative care compared with housed populations. Past trauma, experiences of racism, hostility, and lack of trusted relationships with healthcare professionals (HCPS) can influence engagement with services and adherence to treatment. Join us to explore the concept of equity-oriented cancer care and opportunities for equity-informed care. 

Chair 

Professor Mei Krishnasamy

RGN; BA (Hons): DipN; MSC (Cancer Nursing): PhD

Cancer Nursing Lead

Professor of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne.

Professor Meinir Krishnasamy is Professor of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne and honorary Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Services Research in Cancer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. 

Development of cancer nursing research capability has the potential to enhance patient care, health outcomes and health services. Professor Krishnasamy provides strategic direction and coordinates development of nurse-led research opportunity and implementation-of-evidence to address recognised knowledge and practice gaps across the alliance's seven clinical partners.

Professor Krishnasamy leads a program of supportive care research that focuses on improving access to and coordination of care for adults with cancer, addressing the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes, and development and evaluation of nurse-led interventions. Her research is informed by embedded consumer engagement and encompasses the breadth of patient care from diagnosis, to treatment and follow-up.

Speakers 

Dr Tara Horrill

RN PhD Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba; Scientist, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute Cancer Care Manitoba; Founder and principal investigator, REACHE Lab. 

Dr Horrill's research takes a critical approach to investigating health inequities within the context of the cancer care system, with a particular focus on equitable access to cancer care and equity-oriented approaches to care. Through collaborative research and knowledge mobilisation initiatives, she works with interdisciplinary researchers, health care practitioners, health system leaders, and patient partners to co-create evidence-informed solutions that address health inequities in the cancer care sector. 

Claire Doherty 

MPH, B. Occupational Therapist; Senior Research and Evaluation Officer, Healthcare for the Homeless Department and Occupational Therapy Research Lead, Occupational Therapy Department, St Vincent’s Hospital 

Claire Doherty is Occupational Therapist and Senior Research and Evaluation Officer at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. For over four years, Claire has been responsible for developing and leading the research agenda and forming the measurement, evaluation and learning framework for the Healthcare and Homelessness Department at St Vincent Melbourne. Claire was a lead author on the Better Health and Housing Program (BHHP) impact evaluation and economic analysis report delivered in 2024 demonstrating the person-centred and system level benefits of short-term housing and wrap-around health services.