Established and actual functions of the coordinator of oncological treatment in the Polish health care system

One of the problems most often experienced by cancer patients is the lack of coordination of activities of institutions in the health care system. In 2015, coordinators of oncological treatment were introduced into the health care system along with the oncological package. Despite the passage of several years, the situation of the coordinators is still not entirely clear, as hospitals have not developed a uniform model of this position. The aim of the article is an attempt to find an answer to the question: what are the tasks of an oncological treatment coordinator? Observations show that there is no consensus on this issue. The author points to the important, growing role of the coordinator of oncological treatment and recognizes the potential of this new function in the Polish health care system. Moreover, emphasizes that although the coordinators help patients in their work, they also relieve doctors and other personnel participating in the process of planning and oncological treatment. Professional, well-prepared coordinators may have a real impact on the retention of patients in the institution where they are employed. The aim of the article is also to stimulate a discourse on the possibility of evaluation and application of this function, including gaining access to the profession of coordinator.