• Alex Sagar, Dinh Van Chi Mai, G S Divya, Ruqaiya Al-Habsi, Tracy Wothers, Orna Ni Bhroin, Sandeep Singh, Richard O'Hara, and Barrie D Keeler.
• Department of Colorectal Surgery, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK.
• Colorectal Dis. 2021 Mar 1; 23 (3): 664-671.

AimThis study investigates whether a straight-to-test (STT) colorectal cancer pathway improves attainment of the National Health Service (NHS) England 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard and the effect of the pathway on reducing face-to-face outpatient clinic appointments. Patient satisfaction and the safety of a novel general practitioner (GP) led patient triage system regarding suitability for colonoscopy are also evaluated.MethodsThis is an observational study of all patients managed via an STT colorectal cancer pathway between 1 September 2019 and 19 March 2020. Comparison is made with all patients referred on the suspected colorectal cancer pathway prior to implementation of the STT pathway from 1 January 2019 to 30 July 2019. Patient satisfaction with the STT pathway was assessed with a telephone-based questionnaire.ResultsAttainment of the 28-day diagnosis target for all suspected colorectal cancer referrals improved following the establishment of the STT pathway (88% vs. 82%, P < 0.0001). From a potential total of 548 outpatient colorectal clinic appointments for patients on the STT pathway, 504 (92%) were avoided. In those eligible for the STT pathway, GP assessment of patients suitable for colonoscopy agreed with that of the colorectal department in 93% of cases. Of the 50 patients who undertook the satisfaction survey, 86% were satisfied or very satisfied with the pathway. No patient suffered adverse events as a result of their STT investigations.ConclusionAn STT pathway for suspected colorectal cancer referrals with novel GP-led patient triage safely streamlines patients through the suspected colorectal cancer diagnostic pathway and significantly reduces requirement for face-to-face outpatient clinic attendance. This is achieved with high patient satisfaction.© 2020 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

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