As a PhD Scholar within the ECORRA Program, Helena Rodi is developing Australia’s first national framework to measure adherence to the Optimal Care Pathways.
Helena’s PhD investigates how health services across Australia implement and adhere to oncology guidelines, with a focus on the Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs). Her work addresses a critical gap in cancer care: while the OCPs exist to promote consistent, high-quality cancer care nationally, there is currently no standardised way to measure whether they are being followed. This limits efforts to improve care quality and equity, especially for rural and remote populations.
“Guidelines and frameworks are only powerful if we can measure how well they’re being used. This research is about building the tools to do that – so we can improve cancer care for everyone,” says Helena.
The final OCP Adherence Measurement Tool will help benchmark performance, guide implementation, and support equity-focused reforms aligned with the Australian Cancer Plan. This project is an Implementation Partner of the Australian Cancer Plan.
Helena's research unfolds across four studies
A narrative review of Australia’s cancer policy history
Completed in 2025
A systematic review of adherence measurement methods
In progress (2025-2026)
Co-design a prototype that will measure adherence to the OCPs
Yet to commence (2026-2027)
Evaluation and refinement of the measurement tool
Yet to commence (2027-2029)
About Helena
In addition to her PhD, Helena Rodi is a Research Fellow on the ECORRA Trial where she leads the coordination and support of the ECORRA National Consumer Program. Outside of Deakin, Helena is currently Senior Manager, Policy & Advocacy, for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). She brings over 15 years of experience in health service improvement, governance, and policy including clinical, academic, government, and not-for-profit sectors.
Her career includes senior roles at VICS Optimal Care Summits, Austin Health, NEMICS, and Advance Care Planning Australia, where she led both statewide and national programs. Helena has authored strategic reports, policy submissions, and peer-reviewed publications on cancer equity, guideline implementation, and advance care planning. She is also a former lecturer in dietetics and a clinical dietitian with expertise in oncology.
Helena’s work is grounded in equity, systems thinking, and consumer engagement. She collaborates with rural, First Nations, and culturally diverse communities to ensure that cancer care reforms are inclusive and impactful.
Making Research Matter
Helena’s research is embedded in the ECORRA Trial, a five-year MRFF-funded initiative to understand, co-design, and embed evidence-based cancer care improvements across rural and remote Australia. Her work directly supports national efforts to implement the Australian Cancer Plan and improve outcomes for priority populations.
By translating complex guidelines into measurable practice, Helena is helping health services move from aspiration to action, ensuring that every patient receives care aligned with best practice, regardless of where they live.
