Cancer: 3-month review
Indicator
The percentage of patients with cancer diagnosed within the preceding 15 months who have a review recorded as occurring within 3 months of the practice receiving confirmation of the diagnosis.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
The increasing number of cancer survivors has led to an increase in the number of people requiring follow-up care, monitoring and management. Most patients with a new diagnosis of cancer, following assessment and management in a secondary or tertiary care setting, resume consultations in general practice. Primary care has an important role in managing survivorship and the increased level of need among these patients. Carrying out a review in general practice following cancer diagnosis and treatment gives an opportunity to identify and address patient's individual health and support needs. The review should be a holistic conversation that covers clinical, practical, emotional, psychological and financial (where appropriate) aspects of the patient's cancer care, including the coordination of care between sectors.
Further information on survivorship and the potential role for general practice can be found on the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative website.
This indicator aims to ensure that general practice has a good understanding of the patient's individual needs and preferences and offers personalised support after cancer diagnosis.
Source guidance
Patient experience in adult NHS services: improving the experience of care for people using adult NHS services. NICE guideline CG138 (2012), recommendations 1.1.1, 1.3.4 and 1.3.5
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator who have had a review performed within 3 months of the practice receiving confirmation of the diagnosis.
Denominator: The number of patients with a new diagnosis of cancer in the preceding 15 months.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: Patients with non-melanomatous skin lesions. Patients who have not responded to at least two cancer care review invitations made at least 7 days apart.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6087-3