Aim: In 2009, a Respiratory Fast Track Clinic (RFTC) was introduced successfully by Southern District Health Board. Advancing on this model by incorporating further biopsy methods, we aimed to streamline our investigative cancer pathway.
Methods: The RFTC introduction was bi-phasic with staggered introduction of computed tomography (CT), and then biopsy, to the first service appointment (FSA). Patients with suspected lung cancer were identified for a six-month period preceding the RFTC. The time for the diagnostic pathway was then contrasted to the two RTFC introductory phases.
Results: In total, 212 patients were investigated for suspected lung cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) was the most utilised biopsy method. Time from GP referral to FSA improved significantly (p=0.005). Similarly, time from FSA to diagnosis and treatment improved, median times reducing from 15 to 0 (p=<0.001) and from 37 to 24 days (p=0.004) respectively.
Conclusion: The RTFC significantly shortened time to diagnosis and treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a reduction in time to treatment for suspected lung cancer patients in an Australasian fast track clinic. EBUS, when utilised as the initial investigation, results in faster treatment and, may improve survival if incorporated into the RFTC model.