Impact of a dedicated cancer-associated thrombosis service on clinical outcomes: a mixed-methods evaluation of a clinical improvement exercise

Noble, Simon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5425-2383, Pease, Nikki, Sui, Jessica, Davies, James, Lewis, Sarah, Malik, Usman, Alikhan, Raza, Prout, Hayley ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0170-7027 and Nelson, Annmarie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6075-8425 2016. Impact of a dedicated cancer-associated thrombosis service on clinical outcomes: a mixed-methods evaluation of a clinical improvement exercise. BMJ Open 6 (11) , e013321. 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013321

Preview

PDF - Published Version Download (835kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) complex condition, which may present to any healthcare professional and at any point during the cancer journey. As such, patients may be managed by a number of specialties, resulting in inconsistent practice and suboptimal care. We describe the development of a dedicated CAT service and its evaluation. Setting Specialist cancer centre, district general hospital and primary care. Participants Patients with CAT and their referring clinicians. Intervention A cross specialty team developed a dedicated CAT service , including clear referral pathways, consistent access to medicines, patient's information and a specialist clinic. Primary and secondary outcome measures The service was evaluated using a mixed-methods evaluation , including audits of clinical practice, clinical outcomes, staff surveys and qualitative interviewing of patients and healthcare professionals. Results Data from 457 consecutive referrals over an 18-month period were evaluated. The CAT service has led to an 88% increase in safe and consistent community prescribing of low-molecular-weight heparin, with improved access to specialist advice and information. Patients reported improved understanding of their condition, enabling better self-management as well as better access to support and information. Referring clinicians reported better care standards for their patients with improved access to expertise and appropriate management. Conclusions A dedicated CAT service improves overall standards of care and is viewed positively by patients and clinicians alike. Further health economic evaluation would enhance the case for establishing this as the standard model of care.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2044-6055
Funders:	Tenovus
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 July 2017
Date of Acceptance:	12 October 2016
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 12:03
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/102181

Citation Data

Cited 8 times in Scopus. View in Scopus. Powered By Scopus® Data

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item