Speeding up the diagnosis of oesophago-gastric cancer.
National referral guidelines have been developed for patients with suspected oesphago-gastric cancer with the aim of reducing the delay from presentation to referral and, therefore, reducing overall delay in diagnosis. This study evaluates the impact of these guidelines and shows that they have resulted in a significant decrease in the time from referral to endoscopy for patients. Nurses can further contribute to this by increasing patient awareness of symptoms. A course is being developed to provide the necessary knowledge.
Irving
Mark J
MJ
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.
Lamb
Peter J
PJ
Irving
Ray J
RJ
Raimes
Simon A
SA
D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom