title: Australian experience of neuro-oncology care coordination: a conversation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of care coordinator was introduced to support patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who work within a specialty, as well as to optimize and standardize care. Specifically, the role of neuro-oncology care coordinator is a developing one-and one that has encountered various barriers and difficulties. Patients diagnosed with neurologic cancer must endure a disease trajectory and multimodal treatment approach that present unique challenges to themselves and to the healthcare system. Consequently, the care coordinator role is needed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article focuses on the role of the neuro-oncology care coordinator, including its challenges, the needs of patients with neurologic cancer, and the benefits this role can bring.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three neuro-oncology care coordinators from New South Wales, Australia, discussed their role in the healthcare system via structured meetings, conversations, and email correspondence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Making others aware of the issues faced by neuro-oncology care coordinators, as well as their patients, may help to solidify necessary supportive roles within the healthcare system.
authors.affiliation: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District in Sydney.
authors.forename: Alanah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Cancer Therapy Centre at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney.
authors.forename: Wafa
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Trad
authors.affiliation: Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group at North Shore Private Hospital in St. Leonards.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kastelan
authors.affiliation: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District in Sydney.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lamont
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D062526:Patient Navigation
keywords: brain tumor; cancer nursing; care coordination; neuro-oncology; patient navigation