P07 * ARE ALL PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED BRAIN TUMOUR ON CRANIAL IMAGING REFERRED PROMPTLY FOR MDT DISCUSSION?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The IOG for Brain and CNS tumours advises that all new cases of suspected CNS tumour should be referred to the Brain & CNS tumours MDT for discussion within a strict timescale. We audited new tumour referrals to MDT using the following standards: (1) All newly diagnosed/ suspected brain tumours are logged to the MDT database; (2) Logging to the database should be done within 7 days of image reporting. METHOD: A retrospective study of all radiology reports of CT/MRI head scans performed in two hospital Trusts in a 4 week period. Scans were identified from the PACS system of each Trust and each scan report was manually reviewed for a suspected new diagnosis of brain tumour. All positive scans were correlated with the MDT database. RESULTS: All radiology reports for CT/MRI head scans performed in the period 30/09/13-27/10/13 were assessed. 2125 scans were identified and, of these, 42 were reported as showing possible/definite new diagnosis of brain tumour. (22 male, 20 female, mean age 62.5). Only 48% (n = 20) of cases were subsequently referred and logged to the MDT database, with 50% (n = 10) logged within 7 days. All high grade primary brain tumours (n = 6) were referred to MDT. Of the non-referred cases, the most common diagnosis was cerebral metastasis (59%). Review of non referred cases indicated that reasons for non-referral included: (1) Clinical judgement conflicted with guidelines; (2) Patient died; (3) Re-scan excluded tumour diagnosis. Common reasons for delayed referral were: (1) Physician awaited a re-scan; (2) Benign tumour diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Improvement of the awareness regarding the criteria for referral to Brain tumour MDT is needed, especially in metastatic and non-high grade Tumours.