All services have embedded the seven key principles. These underpin rapid cancer diagnostic services (RCDS) pathways.
The principles
The principles are:
- Clear patient coordination and support, with each patient having an assigned ‘navigator’ throughout their diagnostic pathway alongside access to accurate resources, to inform decision-making.
- Early identification of patients who meet RCDS referral criteria, with timely referral to the service and initial tests completed before assessment.
- Prompt Active Clinical Referral Triage (ACRT) undertaken.
- Coordinated testing based on the patient’s needs, ideally delivered in a ‘one-stop’ environment where possible, with live or rapid reporting to shorten the diagnostic pathway.
- Earlier diagnosis of cancer, or other condition(s), shared appropriately with the patient and the outcome speedily communicated back to primary care along with next steps.
- Appropriate onward referral for further support, treatment, or care.
- Adoption of the principles of Realistic Medicine throughout.