Unveiling CALD Data Collection in Cancer Care

Abstract

Background There is a lack of consistency in how data is collected on cultural and linguistic diversity in Victoria, with only very few data variables routinely collected as CALD indicators in health services.1 Reporting on health needs and outcomes of CALD communities is therefore challenging, hampered further by there being no universally accepted definition of CALD despite the introduction of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1999 National Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity.2

Aim This service improvement project within Cancer Services at Austin Health investigates what CALD data is collected from patients, how it is collected, and by whom. It aims to identify any challenges to obtaining complete data which accurately reflects the CALD population.

Methods A mixed-method approach is currently underway, consisting of: 1) an audit of electronic medical records to assess the frequency of missing CALD data; 2) a review of existing organisational policies related to CALD data collection; 3) interviews with administrative clerks and health information managers to identify critical touchpoints where CALD data is captured, and the frequency and comprehensiveness of reporting to Government agencies; 4) a survey targeting administrative clerks to identify gaps in resources, knowledge and training relating to CALD data collection methods; and 5) focus groups with 3 language groups prevalent in the Austin catchment area (Mandarin, Arabic, Greek) to discuss community alignment with the ABS ‘core’ and ‘standard’ CALD indicators, including preferences for alternative terminology.

Impact Findings from this study will inform service delivery planning to create a more inclusive and effective CALD data collection framework. This will ensure that healthcare providers have a better understanding of the CALD population's needs, leading to tailored resource allocation. The project will lay a foundation for replicability at other hospitals or health care settings.

References 1. Truong M, Dwyer J, Chan J, Bugeja L. Availability and quality of data related to cultural and linguistic diversity in the Victorian Suicide Register: A pilot study. Australian and New Zealand journal of public health. 2023 Oct 1;47(5):100078. 2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity. Updated February 22, 2022. Accessed June 17, 2024.