ACE Programme - Wave 2 (2015-19)
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Test, Evidence, Transition (TET) is a multi-phase programme of commissioned research activity, building on the success of the former Accelerate, Coordinate, Evaluate (ACE) programme.
Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Centre (MDC) Projects
A cohort of five NHS organisations in England piloted a novel Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Centre (MDC) pathway for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms that could be a sign of cancer, but which didn’t fit easily into existing referral pathways for suspected cancer. The MDC model aimed to address this gap by offering a streamlined, rapid diagnostic route.
Key Features
- Targeted patient group: Individuals with non-specific symptoms potentially linked to multiple cancer types.
- Collaborative evaluation: Jointly assessed by ACE and the Department of Health Cancer Policy Research Unit.
- Diagnostic breadth: Capable of identifying a wide range of cancers, including rare and less common types, as well as non-cancer conditions.
- Conversion rate: 8% of patients referred through the MDC pathway were diagnosed with cancer.
- Planned and rapid access: Provided a structured pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms.
Impact
- Demonstrated added value as a diagnostic route for patients who previously experienced fragmented care.
- Supported earlier diagnosis of cancer, contributing to improved patient outcomes.
- Informed the development of Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs), which were later adopted as national policy in the NHS Long Term Plan for England (2019) and non-specific symptoms pathways, which are being rolled out across the NHS in England.
Challenges & Learnings
- Highlighted the need for integrated pathways across primary and secondary care.
- Emphasised the importance of timely access to diagnostics for patients with ambiguous symptoms.
- Reinforced the value of collaborative evaluation in shaping national policy.
Evaluation
ACE collaborated with the Department of Health (DH) Policy Research Unit to evaluate the concept and implementation of MDCs. The evaluation focused on both quantitative and qualitative insights into the effectiveness of MDCs for patients with non-specific but concerning symptoms.
Key Messages from the Evaluation
Qualitative Evaluation Summary
Developed in collaboration with the DH Policy Research Unit (Cancer Awareness, Screening & Early Diagnosis), this summary provides deeper insights into patient and clinician experiences.
Full Qualitative Evaluation Report
Comprehensive report detailing the methodology, findings, and recommendations from the MDC qualitative evaluation:
Publications & Reports
MDC Diagnostic Tests Report
Details the diagnostic approaches used across five MDC projects in England, covering both cancer and non-cancer conditions.
Rare and Less Common Cancers Paper
Explores how non-specific symptomatic referral pathways can lead to the diagnosis of over 30 different tumour types, including rare and less common cancers.
MDC Infographic
A visual summary showing how MDCs support patients with vague symptoms and assist GPs in navigating uncertain referral pathways.
MDC Models and Design Principles
Outlines three distinct models of care and diagnostic approaches used in MDCs, forming the basis for future Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) development.