A strategy to overcome the radiology lottery in the staging of head and neck cancer: An aid to attaining the 50-day rule

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid access to radiological services is essential, if the British Association of Otolaryngologists - Head and Neck Surgeons Minimum Temporal Standards are to be met in the management of head and neck cancer patients. This study assesses a new initiative whereby the multidisciplinary team prioritises allocated imaging appointments rather than using the traditional radiological triage system. Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective audit of all patients referred over a 3-month period with suspected head and neck cancer. The main outcome measures were: (i) median interval in days from general practitioner (GP) referral to staging scan; and (ii) median interval in days from first clinic appointment to staging scan. Results: The new multidisciplinary team booking system led to a statistically significant reduction in the 'request-to-scan time' (from 12 days to 5 days). The time from 'GP to scan' also improved. Conclusions: This new multidisciplinary team-led booking system, could, in the future, speed up access to radiology services for head and neck cancer patients, allowing earlier definitive treatment.