Abstract 183P
Background
Townsville Lung Cancer Referral Pathway (TLCRP) is a web-based 'HealthPathway', implemented to guide local GPs in the referral process of people with suspected lung cancer. This study evaluates the impact of TLCRP on timeliness of care and adherence to national lung cancer care guidelines.
Methods
A retrospective chart audit was conducted of lung cancer patients seen at the Townsville Cancer Centre, comparing two groups- Pre-Pathway implementation group- August 2016 to July 2019 and Post-Pathway implementation group -August 2020 to July 2023. Primary outcome: Time interval (T1) from initial presentation to GP to referral to a lung cancer specialist Calculated sample size: 182 Simple univariate descriptive statistics was used and then pre and post implementation comparisons were made.
Results
Out of 316 patients included, 164 were in pre-pathway group and 152 were in the post-pathway group. Both groups were comparable. The time interval from initial GP presentation to initial specialist referral was significantly reduced in the post-pathway group, eight days compared to 15 days (p= 0.03). However, the time interval from GP referral to initial appointment with a lung cancer specialist was increased from 15 days in the pre-pathway group to 20 days in the post-pathway group . Only 40% of the pre-pathway group and 34 % of post-pathway group were seen in the specialist clinic within two weeks of referral from the GP. Although the majority of patients had a CT chest organised by their GPs, only 62.6% patients in pre-pathway group and 57.3% patients in post-pathway group had a chest Xray. The proportion of patients whose initial specialist referral was to the respiratory clinic did not improve after implementation of TLCRP. 29.8 % of the pre-pathway and 32.9 % of the post-pathway group were diagnosed after being admitted through the emergency department.
Conclusions
Implementation of the TLCRP improved the time interval from initial GP consultation to specialist referral for people with suspected lung cancer in north Queensland. However, better strategies are required to address delays in specialist clinic appointments and meet national optimal care pathway guidelines.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.