Quality of diagnostic services for cancer: A comparison of open access and conventional outpatient clinics

C. Davies, G. Grimshaw, M. Kendall, A. Szczepura, C. Griffin, V. Toescu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective and study design: to assess quality of a quick and early diagnosis route (QED) by determining effectiveness and cost- effectiveness of five clinics compared with three conventional outpatient clinics. Prospective economic evaluation. Six-month cohort of all referrals (November 1996-April 1997). Subjects: all referrals for suspected cancers of: upper gastrointestinal tract; urinary tract, prostate and testis; skin. Effectiveness: median days saved between GP referral and date of: diagnostic appointment; consultant decision; intervention. Results: GP referral to diagnostic appointment: QED was effective (median days) for all clinics. Diagnostic appointment to consultant decision: QED was effective for testicular and haematuria clinics. Consultant decision to intervention: QED was effective for haematuria, testicular and melanoma clinics. Cost-effectiveness: extra (incremental) NHS cost per patient diagnosed. Results: Less than £5 per day saved between GP referral and diagnostic appointment for: endoscopy; haematuria; prostate; testicular; melanoma. Less than £3 per day saved between GP referral and consultant decision for: testicular; haematuria. Less than £3 per day saved between GP referral and intervention for: endoscopy; haematuria; testicular; melanoma. Conclusion: A "quick and early" diagnostic route provides a higher quality service through improved effectiveness and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional outpatients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-91
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Effectiveness
  • Health care
  • Service quality
  • Tests

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business, Management and Accounting(all)
  • Health Policy

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