A fast track service for patients with a suspicion of or confirmed lung cancer - service design, implementation and outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Rapid Access Clinics are designed to expedite the diagnosis and treatment timelines of patients with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer. The Ballarat Health Service (BHS) Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic (RALLC) was established in July 2017 in conjunction with a Lung Care Coordinator (LCC) position. The clinic is now well established and has made significant improvements in service delivery in relation to diagnosis and treatment timelines in addition to patient and clinician satisfaction. Aim: To describe the service design of RALLC and LCC role and report the outcomes of the clinic in relation to the OCP (optimal care pathway) guidelines in addition to clinician and consumer feedback. Methods: Data has been prospectively collected on all patients referred to the RALLC clinic at Ballarat Health Services from July 2017 and February 2018. This was compared to a pre implementation audit of data completed of patients attending BHS with a diagnosis of lung cancer in 2015. All data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Improvements were seen across all KPI measurements related to the OCP when comparing data pre and post implementation of the service. Highlights included a reduction in the mean number of days for referral to first specialist appointment ( 12 days to 8.7 days), a reduction in the mean number of days from referral to diagnosis (33.6 days to 17.8 days) and reduction in the mean number of days from referral to first treatment (50.4 days to 37.7 days). After an initial trial period, both the clinic and LCC position continued and further improvements have been achieved in these KPI measurements. Conclusion: The introduction of the RALLC clinic and LCC position at beneficial has been to both patients and clinicians, streamlining the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspicion of and confirmed lung cancer. The RALLC team works cohesively and collaboratively to ensure patient receive timely, patient centred care.