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Rapid diagnostic pathways for prostate cancer: A realist synthesis

Katie Jones, Arya Chandran, Jaynie Rance Orcid Logo

Journal of Cancer Policy, Volume: 42, Start page: 100514

Swansea University Authors: Katie Jones, Jaynie Rance Orcid Logo

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Abstract

The NHS Long-term Plan outlines a number of approaches to address delays and diagnose three out of four cancers at an early stage, and yet patients regularly experience delays to diagnosis. Attempts to address such delays include the implementation of a number of rapid diagnosis pathways (RDPs). Thi...

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Published in: Journal of Cancer Policy
ISSN: 2213-5383
Published: Elsevier BV 2024
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68291
Abstract: The NHS Long-term Plan outlines a number of approaches to address delays and diagnose three out of four cancers at an early stage, and yet patients regularly experience delays to diagnosis. Attempts to address such delays include the implementation of a number of rapid diagnosis pathways (RDPs). This realist review explores rapid diagnosis pathways for prostate cancer, identifying approaches to RDPs, as well as generating theories regarding what works, for whom and under which circumstances.This is a realist evidence synthesis. The questions and approach are informed by patient and public involvement (PPI). We conducted a scoping review to generate initial programme theories and then refined these through further search processes. As a realist review, we do not focus on a specific data type or outcome, rather we include qualitative and quantitative data to inform theories comprised of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes (CMO chains).Six studies were included in our scoping review; twenty studies were included in the second review. The studies include qualitative and quantitative data. We identified three broad themes: Primary care, organizational factors, and patient experience.We recommend the involvement of adjoining services (e.g. general practice and radiology) in the planning of prostate cancer RDPs and emphasize the importance of clear communication with patients.
Keywords: Cancer; Health service evaluation; Prostate cancer; Diagnostic pathways; Realist; Review; Cancer diagnosis
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Funders: This project is funded by CRUK as part of its Test, Evidence, Transition programme. Application Reference: PICATR-2022/100013 Funding Scheme: PIC - Commissioned Research - Ad Hoc Targeted.
Start Page: 100514