Introduction of a novel telescopic pathway to streamline 2-week-wait suspected head and neck cancer referrals and improve efficiency : A prospective service evaluation

© 2021 The Authors. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Triological Society..

OBJECTIVES: This study summarizes the introduction of a novel telescopic pathway, which streamlines 2-week-wait suspected head and neck cancer referrals to our unit, describes the logistics of the pathway, and analyzes referral numbers and outcomes. We also discuss wider issues surrounding remote assessment in head and neck cancer.

METHODS: Data were collected prospectively between January and May 2021, capturing all 2-week-wait referrals to our unit following the introduction of a telescopic pathway which utilized a nurse-led clinic for nasendoscopic examination of selected patients and consultant-led remote assessment using store and forward technology. Information on referral numbers, waiting times and outcomes was recorded.

RESULTS: Three hundred and forty (185 high risk, 155 low risk) patients entered the telescopic pathway with the remaining 74 patients seen on the conventional standard of care pathway. Cancer conversion rates were 17%, <1%, and 5.4% for the high-risk telescopic, low-risk telescopic and standard of care pathways respectively. No patients discharged from the telescopic pathway were re-referred within 3 months. Review capacity for endoscopic examination was higher per consultant on the telescopic pathway versus the standard of care (p = .01).

CONCLUSION: A combination of risk stratification and asynchronous telescopic assessment shows promise for the management of suspected head and neck cancer referrals. Potential benefits include consultant-led care for all patients and enhanced documentation. Digital communication with patients may also assist with adherence to the new NHS 28-day diagnostic standard for cancer referrals. Ongoing data collection is required to assess how the pathway functions over a longer period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2022

Erschienen:

2022

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:7

Enthalten in:

Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology - 7(2022), 1 vom: 01. Feb., Seite 117-124

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Metcalfe, Christopher [VerfasserIn]
Dogan, Mehmet [VerfasserIn]
Glazzard, Nina [VerfasserIn]
Ross, Elizabeth [VerfasserIn]
George, Ajith [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

COVID19
Head and neck cancer
Journal Article
Technology
Telemedicine

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 05.11.2023

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.1002/lio2.721

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM336879105