SP9.2.2 Implementation of a straight to test colorectal cancer referral pathway significantly improves cancer targets and reduces outpatient requirements. (9th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Satti, Suren Reddy; McKenzie, Sevra; Yao, Caroline; Arnold, Steve; Venkatasubramaniam, Arcot; Di Fabio, Francesco
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 5
• Publication Date: 2022-08-09
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac247.105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: The main aim of this study is to determine the impact of the "Straight to Test" (STT) colorectal cancer pathway on the NHS England 28-day faster diagnosis and 62-day-treatment targets. The secondary aim is to evaluate the effect of the pathway on reducing outpatient clinic appointments and the proportion of colorectal cancers diagnosed within 2 week wait (2WW) referrals. Methods: This case-controlled single-centre study included 1000 patients. Five-hundred consecutive patients were managed through the STT colorectal cancer pathway between February 2021 to May 2021 (study group), with a dedicated colorectal nurse triaging the referrals for straight to colonoscopy or outpatient clinic, for complex cases that do not fit the STT criteria. This group was compared with 500 consecutive patients referred on the 2WW colorectal cancer pathway prior to the implementation of the STT pathway and therefore all reviewed in outpatient clinic, between April 2019 to July 2019 (control group). Results: The 28-day time-to-diagnosis and 62-day time-to-treatment targets improved after the introduction of STT pathway from 59% to 86% (p<0.0001) and from 35% to 60% (p=0.095), respectively. In the study group, 234/500 (47%) patients were triaged for straight to colonoscopy, freeing up an equal number of outpatient colorectal clinic appointments. The proportion of colorectal cancers diagnosed within the 2WW referrals was 5.2% in the study group and 4.2% in the control group. Conclusion: Implementation of a STT 2WW colorectal cancer pathway has significantly improved our colorectal cancer targets and reduced outpatient clinic requirements.