Evaluation of Slovenian National Cancer Control Programme – Guiding the Way Forward

Issue/problem

Slovenia is ending the third 5-year period of National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). Evaluation is important for learning lessons and setting future goals.

Description of the problem

Basic three entities should be covered in evaluation, covering structural, process and outcome indicators to identify strengths and shortcomings. Slovenian NCCP 2022-2026 did not have clear set of indicators for monitoring at the beginning, but developed them during the operational period covering governance of NCCP and monitoring of all areas of actions to achieve the three strategic goals of the NCCP. Results of evaluation of the 5-years period will be presented.

Results

In the field of governance all structures were established with designation of responsible authority, coordination team and wide array of involved experts. Inefficient transfer of information, overburden of staff, and not sufficient involvement of other sectors were observed. Funding for the coordination activities was stable but no specific monitoring of funding for cancer services was in place. All NCCP structures were functioning throughout the period with slight limitations due to changes in leadership positions and insufficient administrative support to the experts. Some novel approaches to collaboration in the field of oncology care and research have started. Present and future staffing, infrastructure and technology/digitalization challenges have been identified. Collaboration with patients was divers and during the whole period of action. Monitoring and feedback mechanisms of all activities in the NCCP were in place. Overall cancer burden monitoring has been in place for decades in Slovenia, but new monitoring specific for quality of cancer care and patient reported outcomes has been established.

Lessons

Monitoring and evaluation of NCCP is crucial for assessing performance and identifying challenges for setting future goals.

Key messages

• Slovenia is ending the third 5-year period of National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). Evaluation is important for learning lessons and setting future goals.

• Monitoring and evaluation of National Cancer Control Programme is crucial for assessing performance, identifying challenges and setting future goals. 5-years evaluation in Slovenia will be presented.