Optimal cancer diagnostic pathways
Resources
The following resources may be useful for setting up a RCDS.
Team set up and skills mix chosen varies across Health Boards, but example job descriptions can be found below:
- Patient Navigator
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Administrator
- Clinical Lead
- Guide for locum General Practitioners - This was sent to all GP practices to add to their locum folders to raise awareness of the service
- Poster for General Practitioner practices – Please note that new Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer have been published after this poster was originally designed and therefore would require an update prior to use - this is here simply as a resource example
- NHS Borders shared a narrated powerpoint slides for GP practices, introducing the new RCDS pathway and outlining inclusion and exclusion criteria. These could be used by Health Board' to create their own Primary Care resources. A copy can be requested by emailing the CfSD Detect Cancer Earlier Team cfsdcancerandedteam@nhs.scot
- Scottish Referral Guidelines (SRGs) for Suspected Cancer (Non-specific symptoms of cancer) – https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/scottish-referral-guidelines-for-suspected-cancer/non-specific-symptoms-of-cancer/
- Framework for Effective Cancer Management - The Framework for Effective Cancer Management (FECM) aims to help achieve the vision set out by the Cancer Strategy for Scotland 2023 –2033 (Scot Gov 2023) by providing clear guidance that will help NHS Boards achieve the national 62- and 31-day cancer waiting times standards. https://www.gov.scot/publications/framework-effective-cancer-management-2/
- Centre for Sustainable Delivery’s High Impact Changes (incl. ACRT) - https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/modernising-patient-pathways/high-impact-changes/
- Modernising Patient Pathways - CfSD's Modernising Patient Pathways Programme is working to develop, innovate and improve effective Once for Scotland clinical pathways to better match capacity and demand for services. https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/modernising-patient-pathways/
- National Prehabilitation for Scotland - https://www.prehab.nhs.scot/
- Key Principles for Implementing Cancer Prehabilitation across Scotland - https://www.prehab.nhs.scot/for-professionals/key-principles/
- Macmillan Principles and Guidance for Prehabilitation Within The Management and Support of People with Cancer - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/news-and-resources/guides/principles-and-guidance-for-prehabilitation
- Maggie’s Prehabilitation – getting ready for treatment https://www.maggies.org/cancer-information/cancer-treatment/prehabilitation-getting-ready-treatment/
- Video of Cabinet Secretary visit to the NHS Lanarkshire RCDS - Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS) - YouTube