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- Analysis of the Clinical Pathways of Oncological Patients: A comparison of realities for future improvement at “Unidade Local de Saude” at Guarda, PortugalPublication . Quesada, Mario Forrester; Granadeiro, Luiza Augusta Tereza Gil Breitenfeld ; Aperta, Jorge Manuel GonçalvesBackground Cancer is a leading cause of death among elderly populations, with cases continuing to rise as life expectancy increases. This growing burden has prompted a shift in oncology care from a disease-focused approach to a patient-centered model that prioritizes quality of life alongside tumor response. Ensuring safe, effective, and well-coordinated cancer treatment—along with supportive and complementary therapies—has become a key priority. Additionally, optimizing healthcare system efficiency is essential to managing costs, improving accessibility, and ensuring equitable cancer care. In this context, understanding patient demographics and the structure of oncology clinical pathways is crucial for enhancing care delivery. Methods This study examines the Oncology Clinical Pathway (OCP) at a Portuguese local health unit (Unidade Local de Saúde, ULS-Guarda) to evaluate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. The first phase involves a retrospective analysis of medical records from oncology patients treated between 2013 and 2017 across ULS-Guarda’s network, which includes two regional hospitals and 14 primary healthcare centers. This analysis assesses patient demographics, tumor types, and duration of care. The second phase focuses on healthcare professionals’ perspectives regarding the clinical pathway. Using a qualitative approach, structured questionnaires were distributed to key stakeholders—including physicians, nurses, hospital pharmacists, and community pharmacists—to evaluate coordination between services, management practices, process timelines, and overall perceptions of cancer care. Results and Discussion The collected data was analyzed to identify variations in experiences and perspectives among healthcare professionals. Findings highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the oncology clinical pathway, including care transitions, coordination between different healthcare providers, and the role of available platforms in patient management. Additionally, the study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology services, revealing disruptions and challenges in patient care delivery. Conclusion The study highlights significant demographic, economic, and healthcare challenges in the Beira Interior region, impacting the development of an effective Clinical Pathway. The analysis of the Oncological Clinical Pathway (OCP) revealed coordination gaps and the need for standardized protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of adaptable healthcare systems, with professionals demonstrating resilience in patient management. Disparities in access and care coordination were identified, particularly in community pharmacies. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving training, and fostering collaboration among institutions are crucial to enhancing cancer care and patient outcomes in the region.