Head and neck cancer patients are receiving better care than in previous years, but there is still room for improvement, the summary report from the National Head and Neck Cancer Audit (DAHNO) has shown.
More patients in England and Wales had their care planned by specialist teams in 2008, compared to previous years, and waited less time for key elements of care – such as chest imaging. The fourth national audit analysed care records submitted by NHS Trusts for the period of November 2007 to October 2008. It showed that, overall, the average time from biopsy to the reporting of biopsy results improved, with a 10% reduction compared to the previous year in cases having an interval of more than 10 days. Approximately 85% of cases had an interval of less than 10 days. Multi disciplinary teams (MDTs) discussed 92% of patient cases, compared to 74.2% the previous year. Seven per cent of cases were not discussed by MDTs, despite the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending, that 100% of cases are discussed. Overall, 61% of patients with a care plan had a chest imaging (a chest X-ray or scan of the chest) recorded in 2008, compared to 32% of patients in 2006. However NICE guidelines state every patient should have chest imaging.
