IMPACT organizational survey highlighting provision of services for patients with locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland
Aim
Locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer represents a complex clinical entity, which requires multidisciplinary decision‐making and management. The aim of this work is to understand the provision of clinical services in this cohort of patients across Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) as a key essential step to help facilitate future service development and improvement.
Method
A cross‐sectional, organizational survey was sent to all colorectal cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) across GB&I. It consisted of 12 key questions addressing the provision of specialist services and advanced surgical techniques. Results are reported in line with the CHERRIES guideline.
Results
One hundred and seventy‐five MDTs across GB&I participated, with 142 English, 13 Welsh, 14 Scottish, 3 Northern Irish and 3 Irish MDTs. The overall response rate was 93.5% (175/187). Ninety (51.4%) hospital sites reported having a specialist dedicated or subsection MDT. Specialist advanced nursing support was available in 46 (26.2%) hospitals, with a dedicated advanced colorectal cancer outpatient clinic available in 31 (17.7%) hospitals. One hundred and thirteen MDTs (64.5%) offered surgery for advanced colonic cancer, 82 (46.8%) for recurrent colonic cancer, 58 (33.1%) for advanced rectal cancer and 39 (22.2%) for recurrent rectal cancer. A variable number of MDTs offered specialist surgical techniques, including distal sacrectomy [33 (18.9%)], high sacrectomy [16 (9.1%)], complex vascular resection ± reconstruction [33 (18.9%)] and extended lymphadenectomy (pelvic sidewall or para‐aortic) [44 (25.1%)].
Conclusion
The IMPACT organizational survey highlights the current variation in the delivery and provision of clinical services for patients with advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland.
