NHS BRAIN CANCER HEALTHCARE AND RESEARCH: DOES IT MATTER WHERE YOU ARE TREATED?

Abstract

Abstract AIMS The Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence designation initiative recognizes and awards neuro-oncology centres for excellence in patient treatment, care and research. METHOD Twenty-eight NHS centres were assessed through an extensive application form, virtual site visits and patient feedback. Applications were reviewed against a set of standards established through an iterative process in- volving expert specialists in brain cancer treatment and care. RESULTS Many pockets of excellence and innovations were found across the entire patient pathway. Centres demonstrated consistencies in service provision, common challenges threatening service development and sustainability, as well as areas of significant variations. Patients are most likely to experience variations in genetic testing of their tumour samples, access to clinical studies and the extensiveness of nurse and allied health professional- led care and support they receive. To date, 17 centres have been awarded Excellence status and all applicant centres have obtained support through the Tessa Jowell Academy to develop services and innovate. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, patients being treated for brain cancer in any UK centre will be able to obtain an effective standard of care, delivered by a motivated team. There are however areas of striking variation, with disparities in the design, quality and extent of the treatment and care pathway. Service development and addressing gaps in treatment and care will require a tailored approach at both a hospital and national level. In 2023/24, a new application round will open for all UK centres to re-apply to be assessed.