Improving regional lung cancer optimal care pathway compliance through a rapid-access respiratory clinic

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Australia and delays in diagnosis and management increase the potential for disease progression. Incidence and mortality from lung cancer in our region, Gippsland, are higher than the national average, yet there is no known standard referral pathway for diagnosis in the region.

To identify the current standard of care for lung cancer diagnosis and the impact a rapid access clinic, led by a respiratory physician, has on optimal care pathway (OCP) compliance.

A retrospective audit of patients with lung cancer managed through our regional hospital between January and December 2018 (Standard Care group), and a prospective audit of a new rapid access, respiratory-physician led, lung lesion assessment clinic over the same period, were conducted. The primary outcomes were compliance with the OCP target for time from initial computed tomography scan identification of a lung lesion to tissue diagnosis and treatment commencement (target 42 days) when malignancy was confirmed.

There were 25 cases audited in the Standard Care group and 21 cases seen through the Rapid Access Clinic. The Standard Care group met the target for treatment commencement in 33.3% of cases whereas the Rapid Access Clinic group achieved this in 77%.

Our project highlights the disjointed and delayed lung cancer care in our region and the improvements a dedicated rapid access clinic can have on diagnosis and treatment commencement timeframes.