Led by the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research at La Trobe University, in partnership with Regional Trials Network Victoria and health services across the state, GO ReViTALISE is helping ensure older people receive tailored, evidence-based cancer care closer to home.
Since 2021, the initiative has brought together clinicians, researchers and health services to strengthen geriatric oncology services, build workforce capability and improve outcomes for older people across regional Victoria.
“GO ReViTALISE demonstrates how research can deliver meaningful benefits for communities. By connecting health services, clinicians and researchers across Victoria, the initiative has strengthened cancer care for older people and created a model for addressing health inequities in regional and rural communities,” said Professor Irene Blackberry, John Richards Chair and Director of the Australian Institute of Primary Care and Ageing (AIPCA) at La Trobe University.
Through statewide education roadshows, mentoring and professional development, GO ReViTALISE has supported healthcare professionals to incorporate geriatric assessment into routine cancer care and deliver more age-inclusive, patient-centred care.
The initiative has delivered 10 statewide geriatric oncology roadshows and trained more than 100 healthcare professionals across regional Victoria.
During the initiative, the GO ReViTALISE team contributed to 10 clinical trials focused on improving cancer care for older people. Across participating sites, more than 1,100 older adults aged 65 years and over were engaged in clinical trials and cancer research activities, highlighting the initiative’s reach across regional Victoria. Four regional health services have implemented geriatric assessment into routine cancer care, supporting more holistic and individualised care for older patients.
Researchers involved in GO ReViTALISE have also contributed to more than 80 publications and secured $4.4 million in grant funding to advance geriatric oncology research and innovation.
The initiative has contributed to the co-development of the Optimal Care Pathway for Older People with Cancer, helping embed evidence-based, person-centred care into policy and practice.
Through research, collaboration and innovation, GO ReViTALISE is helping reduce inequities in cancer care and improve access to services for older Australians living in regional communities.
