Calman-Hine reassessed: a survey of cancer network development in England, 1999-2000

The paper assesses preliminary national data on the development of cancer care networks in England.

In January 2000, a national postal survey was sent to lead clinicians at 36 cancer centres and associate centres. Respondents were asked to provide basic numerical data on the design of the network (i.e. its configuration), detailing how many units it encompassed, and whether the centre was a multiple or a single entity.

The survey highlighted national variations in the size and configuration of networks. The survey also highlighted tentative signs of shifts in clinical practice. The results showed that consultants at cancer centres and units were engaging in two forms of collaboration across centre-unit boundaries. Type 1 involved routine multidisciplinary team (MDT) outreach from centres to units, incorporating joint planning between clinicians at cancer centres and cancer units. Type 2 collaboration involved joint planning but also promoted joint centre and unit training and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes.

In our estimation, both forms of collaboration represented early evidence of qualitative changes in medical working practices. Organizational changes within cancer services have moved swiftly since initial soundings were taken in 2000 and we update our initial commentary in the light of recent empirical data. The findings may be of wider significance to managers and health practitioners who are working towards the implementation of delivery network elsewhere in the UK National Health Service.