878 Optimizing Follow Up for Melanoma Patients: Are We Meeting NICE Guidance?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a designated tertiary referral Centre for all skin cancers serving a population of 3.5 million in and around South West London. It has an international reputation for its management of melanoma cases. All melanoma patients need frequent follow up visits for a long period of time which may extend to more than 10 years. Many aspects should be included when following up these patients including clinical assessment, laboratory, and radiological evaluation. Aim The aim of this project is to assess the quality of laboratory follow up of melanoma patients focusing on optimizing vitamin D level. Method We performed a retrospective review of cutaneous melanoma patients in 2019. Laboratory standards for follow up of vitamin D level was identified from NICE guidance 2015. After introduction of a condensed guide, a second review was performed in 2020. Results In the first cycle, 63 patients were included. Only 47% of them had their Vitamin D levels checked at time of diagnosis. Follow up check for vitamin D level was only done in 36%. Following introduction of guidance, 36 patients have been included. Significant improvement in both parameters with rate of 65% and 96% respectively. Conclusions Although we managed to improve our adherence to NICE guidance, more effort is still needed to improve all patients' care. We are willing to conduct a qualitative survey asking staff to explore their obstacles.