An evaluation of current services available for people diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the UK (2009-2010).
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol)
; 24(10): e187-92, 2012 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22858437
ABSTRACT
AIMS:
To evaluate current care and service provision for people with head and neck cancer in the UK. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Self-report questionnaires for cancer networks, clinical leads of oncology units and leads for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) were designed. These questionnaires were based on a previous survey. Questionnaires were sent out between 2009 and 2010.RESULTS:
Questionnaires were received from all networks (n = 37), most oncology units (48 of 53) and most MDTs (51 of 63). Care for people with head and neck cancer is increasingly being provided by a centralised MDT. The membership of these teams varies; facilities available for team meetings are fit for purpose in most cases. MDTs are meeting frequently (weekly meetings in 96%) and discussing on average 18 cases at each meeting (95% confidence interval 15-21 cases). Most oncologists have access to all common anti-cancer drugs and most have access to all forms of radiotherapy. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy is not yet available in some oncology units (28%). A small number of units have only one oncologist (13%). Despite audit and research being part of the rationale for MDT working, regular discussion of morbidity and mortality is unusual (40%) and use of a database to record decisions is not universal. Only seven centres record decisions into the Data for Head and Neck Oncology database. Reported recruitment to studies is generally low (<2% of cases enrolled in studies in 62%).CONCLUSIONS:
Head and neck cancer care is increasingly provided through a centralised MDT. Increased resources and further changes in practice are required to implement current National Health Service cancer policy. Teams need to improve recording of their decision-making, discuss morbidity and mortality and support recruitment to clinical studies.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Evaluation_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol)
Journal subject:
NEOPLASIAS
Year:
2012
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom