Zap it track it: the application of Lean Six Sigma methods to improve the screening system of low-grade mucinous neoplasms of the appendix in an acute hospital setting.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the number of patients receiving annual computed tomography (CT) scan and tumour markers, who are diagnosed with low-grade mucinous neoplasms (LAMN). DESIGN: A pre-/post-intervention design was employed using Lean Six Sigma methods to identify gaps in the screening system and to develop and implement solutions for a more robust, auditable screening programme. SETTING: The patients diagnosed with LAMN of the appendix referred to the acute hospital and are enrolled in the screening service. PARTICIPANTS: Consultant colorectal surgeons, cancer nurse specialist, colorectal medical team and quality improvement staff. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic tools identified gaps in the current process. A set of improvements were implemented to standardize the pathway for referral and surveillance of patients, provide information on the condition and treatment and standardize and track information received by patients and their referring hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre and post-intervention outcome measures were taken for the number of patients who receive an annual CT of thoracic, abdomen and peritoneum and tumour markers and number of patients who receive information and contact details. RESULTS: At baseline, of the 28 patients that met the inclusion criteria only 61% had a correct follow-up. Following the implementation of improvements, 78% of patients had correct follow-up and 90% had received information. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in the current cancer screening system were identified and improvements implemented a reduced number of patients having an incorrect follow-up. Findings are applicable across all precancerous screening systems irrespective of the type of malignancy. The methods used empowered patients and fostered an interdisciplinary team approach to care.

Pragmatic use of short-course radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery for stage IV rectal cancer with locally advanced or symptomatic primary tumours.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed management of patients with de novo metastatic rectal cancer, referred for radiotherapy to the rectum, who were candidates for short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and chemotherapy, followed by resection of all disease. We assessed surgical outcomes, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients meeting criteria: (i) treatment with SCRT to rectum; (ii) locally advanced primary rectal cancer; and (iii) resectable distant metastases at diagnosis. Data were collected from charts, correspondence and electronic patient records. OS and PFS were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 48 patients with stage IV rectal cancer at diagnosis were treated with SCRT. Only 15 patients (31%) had resectable metastatic disease and were intended for SCRT (25 Gy/5#), then chemotherapy, followed by resection of all sites of disease and are included in our study. 12 of the 15 surgical candidates (80%) had rectal surgery as planned, and 11 of the 15 (73%) had resection of the rectal primary and all metastatic disease. One patient had a pathological complete response (pCR), and 50% of surgical patients had a Mandard TRG of 1 or 2. Median PFS and OS for the 15 surgical candidates were 12.6 and 25.2 months, respectively, with a median FU of 21.2 months. CONCLUSION: For this cohort of patients, our treatment paradigm is pragmatic and results in excellent pathological response. However, the effectiveness of this approach should be the subject of future prospective studies.