Background:
Improving cancer care coordination is as a priority for health services. However, there is no published empirical research about the adequacy of cancer care coordination in the Australian population. This study aims to ascertain patient experiences of care coordination for the treatment and follow up of colorectal cancer in NSW and will identify patient and system related predictors of poorly coordinated care. Additionally, this study will identify patient preferences for resources to assist care coordination and follow up approaches.

Methods:
This population-based cross-sectional survey is recruiting patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer, notified to the NSW Central Cancer Registry between 29 November 2012 and 31 May 2013. Participants complete a self-administered questionnaire 6 months post diagnosis. Using an ‘opt out’ recruitment approach through the NSW Central Cancer Registry, clinicians are given a period of 4 weeks to notify that a patient should not be contacted. To date, 1223 potentially eligible patients have been identified. So far, clinicians have refused consent for 63 patients and of 557 patients contacted, 285 (51%) have consented to participate. A further 83 patients (15%) have actively refused participation. Recruitment processes are ongoing.

Conclusion:
This study will provide new information about the adequacy of cancer care coordination during primary treatment and for ongoing follow up across the NSW population for people with colorectal cancer. This information will be used to develop strategies and target resources toward people at most risk of poorly coordinated care. Based on current progress, recruitment is due to be completed October 2013.