Achieving the national cancer standards and targets in rural areas: exploiting technology

South West Wales Cancer Network Telemedicine Project
 

Dr Alan Axford see biography
Medical Director and Trust Cancer Lead Clinician, Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust;

Glynis Tranter see biography
Network Director, Medical Director and Trust Cancer Lead Clinician, Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust;

Presentation

The cancer standards in Wales focus on the need to ensure that patients receive treatment for their cancer quickly, regardless of referral route into the service. The standards state that patients referred by their GP as urgent, with suspected cancer and diagnosis confirmed by the multidisciplinary team lead clinicians, should start their treatment within two months of receipt of referral at the hospital. The waiting times targets therefore focus on the whole patient pathway, from referral to diagnosis and definitive treatment.

Through the Network Telemedicine project it has been possible to develop more streamlined patient pathways and improve the cancer waiting times targets through, among other things:

• An increase in the use of videoconferencing at all NHS sites;
• Improved access to diagnostic services and agreement about the individual patient treatment and management plan;
• A reduction in the travelling time required for both staff and patient groups;
• Better compliance with requirements of the National Cancer Standards, Improving Outcomes Group and National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence guidance;
• More efficient/effective use of scarce resources to ensure the local service model reflects the recommendations in the above reports to provide sustainable services for the future;

The project promotes the need to provide seamless, consistent and well-coordinated services.
 

Outstanding quotes
from participants
at Telecare 2006!

"It's the first event of its type that I've attended where I felt compelled to congratulate the organisers before I left. It was excellent."
Senior Development Manager, Housing Association.

"Very Good. The only event of its kind I have come across. A useful blend of presentations and exhibitors."
Marketing Consultant.

"Well run, highly relevant, highly informative."
Project Manager.

"Very well organised event. Useful and informative sessions."
Senior Occupational Therapist, a Lancs NHS Trust.

"This was a useful and very worthwhile event."
Project Officer, Cheshire County Council

"An excellent conference."
Clinical Informatician, Pharmacy

"Excellent — wide range of speakers covering topics from all angles."
Homelink & Sheltered Housing Supervisor, Tamworth Borough Council