The cancer care centre at SUHT has been working with DH, Macmillan Cancer Support and national primary care leads to review breast, testicular and colorectal services to identify ways to improve the patient pathway for cancer survivors.
Routine follow up appointments are not effective in terms of detection of recurrence. The majority of recurrences are detected either by patients themselves or by investigations which can be planned and undertaken without a patient having to attend an outpatient clinic.
As a result, staff at SUHT are changing follow up procedures in these areas for suitable patients from late autumn. Patients will continue to receive all regular surveillance tests and imaging but clinical reviews will only occur if a patient is concerned or if there is a clinical need.
Patient triggered follow up (PTFU) will include:
-
Tailored support, guidance, and information to enable recovery to a healthy lifestyle
-
Clinician assessment of their suitability for PTFU
-
Detailed written information in hard copy and available online
-
Clear protocol for the patient to contact and get a response from a clinician with fast track entry back into clinic as required
-
Treatment summary for GPs outlining patient’s entry into PTFU
-
Surveillance of tumour markers and imaging continuing as before with robust electronic tracking mechanism
Reducing unnecessary follow up appointments will free up resources which can be utilised earlier in the patient’s pathway and allow more rapid access for those patients with concerns about recurrence or complications.
We welcome your suggestions and input into this service change and will be inviting you to an evening meeting on Wednesday, 19 October at Chilworth Manor Hotel to meet the clinical teams from SUHT.
Please contact Ginny Cranshaw, Macmillan project manager, if you have any questions.
ginny.cranshaw@suht.swest.nhs.uk|
For more information on this project please see http://www.ncsi.org.uk|
Posted on Monday 19 September 2011