With a genuine rural and remote focus, Equitable Cancer Outcomes Across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) is a research program dedicated to reducing geographical inequities in all areas of cancer care. Embedded within the Institute of Health Transformation at Deakin, and led by Associate Professor Anna Ugalde, we represent a team of interdisciplinary researchers and healthcare professionals.
Our mission is to reduce the disparities in cancer outcomes that exist in rural and remote areas compared with major cities. We bring together experts in research, healthcare and policy to create and contribute to programs of research that ensure cancer prevention, treatment and support services are accessible to all Australians regardless of location.
Our members have expertise in diverse research methodologies including clinical trials, co-design, guideline development and evaluation, implementation science, modelling studies and systematic reviews. Importantly, we partner to represent the voices of people with lived experience across our work.
ECORRA is an Australian Cancer Plan implementation partner, meaning we align our efforts to embed, evaluate and monitor the Optimal Care Pathways nationally, with a genuine focus on rural and remote areas.
Our research programs focus on enhancing cancer care for priority populations by addressing inequities throughout the cancer journey, including those in rural and remote areas.
We promote the adoption of evidence-based cancer care by healthcare professionals and services using implementation methods and strategies that facilitate the integration of best practices into everyday care.
We utilise co-design methodologies and frameworks, and partner with individuals who have lived experience with cancer, to ensure that our research is informed by those directly affected, leading to more relevant and effective solutions.
Study a research degree or PhD with Deakin’s Faculty of Health and tackle some of the most urgent and important clinical and public health problems of our time.
Our interdisciplinary team of experts in oncology, public health, First Nations health, rural medicine, integrative medicine, mobile health and health policy unites researchers, clinicians and community advocates dedicated to reducing cancer care inequities across Australia.
Associate Professor Anna Ugalde is an Associate Professor within the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin and the lead of the ECORRA research group. She is a fellow supported by the Victorian Cancer Agency with a research focus on health services and implementation science, particularly in the field of oncology.
Our research program aims to deliver equitable cancer care across Australia, through understanding the delivery of rural cancer care and implementing strategies to deliver best practice care.
The ECORRA Optimal Care Pathway project aims to develop all components of a new optimal care pathway for people with cancer living rural and remote areas. This new pathway will integrate with existing tumour-specific pathways to help overcome the geographical barriers to optimal care.
The 5-year ECORRA Trial project aims to develop an evidence-informed implementation package to support rural health services to better align with the endorsed optimal care pathways, to be achieved over three phases. The project has a national scope, with over 80 stakeholders and 14 study sites across South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria
The ECORRA Vic project seeks to identify predictors of delays to cancer diagnosis and treatment, then establish evidence-based and cost-effective solutions to enhance rural cancer care across Victoria. This project will leverage a statewide survey and consult with key stakeholders to determine the most impactful strategies for improving cancer care in rural areas.
Our research projects are strengthened by partnerships with a wide range of health services, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, consumers and stakeholders. Some of our key partners include:
For more information about ECORRA’s work or to explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch with our team.
+61 3 9244 5791
ecorra@deakin.edu.au
