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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 87-91 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cost-effectiveness
- Effectiveness
- Health care
- Service quality
- Tests
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Health Policy