Findings on diagnostic cancer pathway innovations

The projects explored various ways of streamlining lung cancer pathways.

The report provides a lot of practical information on ways to achieve 'better practice' and includes a set of clear recommendations.

Resources include referral forms, case studies and national guidance.

Executive summary  Full report  Pathway analysis  Resources   About the projects

Projects exploring pathways to serve patients with non-specific symptoms.

Findings reveal that time to diagnosis for patients with non-specific but concerning symptoms can be improved through development of new pathways.

Resources include referral forms, info sheets for GPs, and clinic proformas.

Executive summary  Full report   Resources   About the projects

Projects exploring the use of tools to support GPs diagnose cancer earlier.

Findings reveal that decision support tools can support clinical judgment; helping to legitimise GP’s decisions and raise awareness of cancer symptoms.

Executive summary  Full report   About the projects

Projects explored ways to improve bowel screening uptake in target groups.

The findings reinforce evidence that tailored recruitment strategies improve bowel screening participation, with primary care endorsement a real enabler.

Resources include GP endorsement letters and non-responder contact scripts.

Executive summary  Full report   Resources   About the projects

Projects explored ways to streamline diagnostic colorectal pathways.

Findings reveal that improved timely access to diagnostic testing reduces overall waiting times for treatment and improves patient experience.

Resources include referral protocols, patient leaflets and ‘how to’ guides.

Executive summary  Full report   Resources   About the projects

Projects exploring roles of non-GP primary care in early diagnosis.

Project summaries contain benefits and challenges faced by expanding the roles of pharmacists and opticians. Suggestions for improvement are also included.

Resources include a symptom checker and referral form.

Pharmacy to CXR summary Pharmacy training report   Optical referral pathway summary  Resources  About the projects

Projects explored proactive approaches to individuals at high risk of lung cancer. 

Findings reveal that it is possible to identify individuals with earlier stage lung cancer than is the norm and that the offer of a lung ‘health check’ is an effective method of engagement as well as providing benefits such as early diagnosis of COPD. 

Resources include participant information leaflets.

Final report Economic evaluation Resources

There was qualitative analysis of selected ACE service improvement projects.

It explored how effective the development and implementation processes were.

It answered the question of ‘what worked for whom and in what circumstances’.

Evaluation  Implementing change   Patient Involvement

An overview of the 60-project portfolio that formed wave 1; a thought-provoking tour of ACE findings showing key themes and highlights aimed at healthcare professionals who take a strategic view of cancer service improvements.

See the topic-based reports for in-depth analysis and full lists of recommendations.

ACE overview report