Cancer Care Strategy for Scotland Evaluation

The Scottish Government has a requirement to place a contract with an external service provider for the provision of the Evaluation of Cancer Strategy for Scotland. Aligned to priorities highlighted in the Policy Prospectus and Care and Wellbeing Portfolio, this project seeks to provide evidence to understand the effects and impacts of cancer policy actions on people affected by cancer. The aim is to provide insights to evaluate who progresses smoothly (or not) along the pathway, in what way, and why, and what barriers (if any) are experienced. This will include evidence about how different elements or models of support work along the pathway, and how the pathway is experienced by different demographic groups, with a focus on those who have been underserved historically. In looking along the pathway, it will be important to focus on two initiatives that are being implemented in NHS Boards to support people affected by cancer along the pathway: Improving the Cancer Journey (Action 94, 2023-2036 Action Plan) and a Single Point of Contact (Action 95, 2023-2036 Action Plan). To support the ambition to tackle health inequalities, evidence should be gathered from individuals and groups who experience socio-economic inequalities, racism and discrimination, and in rural and island communities, where there are particular challenges in providing equity of access, as highlighted in the Cancer Strategy. Data will contribute evidence connected with high-level strategic outcomes of the Cancer Strategy: improved experience of services and optimised quality of life, which themselves contribute to the strategic aim to improve cancer survival and provide excellent, equitably accessible care.