DART: a new look at the 2-week wait suspected cancer referral process.

Abstract

In 2015/2016 47% of all cancer diagnoses in Leeds were first referred via the ‘2-week wait’ suspected cancer pathway. Over 25 000 2-week wait referrals were generated from primary care during this period.1 A 2016 audit of Leeds cancer referrals found only 52% to be completed in accordance with referrals guidance. During the same period, Leeds clinical commissioning groups received reports from staff expressing concerns regarding delayed referrals due to process failures. Incomplete forms and delayed referrals have profound implications for patients at a time of heightened stress, and can lead to delay in diagnosis and/or treatment. To address these issues, a quality improvement project was initiated. The primary aim of the project was to create a standard for the 2-week wait referrals process that improves …