This study explored public attitudes towards the new Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS), which aims to ensure that people referred for diagnostic testing receive either a cancer diagnosis or an all-clear within 28 days of referral.
The researchers wanted to understand how members of the public viewed the proposed FDS standard in the context of their own recent referral experiences and what role communication, reassurance, and involvement should play during the diagnostic process. Four focus groups were conducted with 29 adults aged over 50 who had recently undergone diagnostic investigations and received results, but who did not have a current cancer diagnosis.
Participants generally supported the principle of faster diagnosis, but many questioned whether the new standard would meaningfully improve existing referral experiences because most felt they had already been referred for testing relatively quickly and some expressed that the new FDS standard was not fast enough.
The part of the pathway that generated the greatest concern was waiting for test results rather than obtaining the initial referral. Participants described anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration when results were delayed or when they had to chase information themselves.
Speed was only one aspect of a good referral experience. Feeling listened to, having concerns taken seriously, receiving reassurance, and being given clear information about what would happen next were seen as equally important.
GPs were viewed as having a central role in the diagnostic pathway. Participants expected GPs to explain the referral process, understand individual information needs, provide reassurance, and remain involved throughout the journey rather than stepping back once a referral had been made.
Participants reported that referral pathways often lacked transparency and consistency. Many felt uncertain about where they were in the process, when they would hear about appointments or results, and who was responsible for communicating next steps.
Although some participants actively sought earlier appointments or chased results, many did not consider these behaviours to be part of their role in helping the system function. Responsibility for meeting the FDS was largely viewed as belonging to healthcare services rather than patients.
The introduction of the FDS was seen as potentially valuable because it could clarify expectations and legitimise follow-up if results had not been received. However, many felt that 28 days was still too long to wait when cancer was a possibility. There was also cynicism that targets would be met and concern that it would result in meaningful change for patients.
These findings suggest that efforts to improve the cancer diagnostic pathway should focus on more than reducing waiting times alone. While speed was important, participants consistently highlighted the value of clear communication, reassurance, transparency, and continuity of care throughout the referral and testing process.
By establishing clearer expectations about when patients should receive results, the standard may help patients feel more informed and empowered within the diagnostic pathway. However, implementation will need to address concerns about what happens during those 28 days, including communication about appointments, progress, and outcomes.
A key implication is that GPs remain central to patient experience during diagnostic investigations. These findings suggest that communication at the point of referral could be as important to patient experience as the speed of diagnosis itself.
Overall, the study highlights that improvements in cancer diagnosis should not be viewed solely through a performance-target lens. Designing pathways that are both timely and patient-centred may help reduce uncertainty, improve confidence in the diagnostic process, and support patients to play a more informed role throughout their care journey.
Read the full article on the BJGP websiteMarianne Piano, Georgia Black, Dorothee Amelung, Emily Power and Katriina L Whitaker.
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