The impact of the introduction of a fast track clinic on ovarian cancer referral patterns

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the referral patterns for ovarian cancer in the Grampian region of Scotland and assess the impact of a 'fast track' clinic on the patient journey. Population-based retrospective analysis of a gynaecological cancer database and patient case notes were used. After its inception, 13.5% of patients were referred through the fast track clinic and 83% were seen within 2 weeks. Thirty-six per cent of patients were admitted as emergencies, mainly surgical or medical. The median general practitioner-to-specialist time was 3 days (range 0-188 days). The median time to diagnosis prior to the fast track clinic was 23 days and 17.5 days after its introduction (P = 0.003). A population-based ovarian cancer referral pattern is presented. Median waiting times are short but do influence time to diagnosis as do referral through a non-cancer specialty and patient performance status. Rapid access through a gynae-oncology clinic has some impact but is underused.