Overview
The UK government has announced the introduction of a new cancer diagnostic tool aimed at reducing treatment delays and improving survival rates within the NHS.
About the Cancer 360 Tool
- The Cancer 360 tool is integrated into the federated data platform (FDP).
- It provides clinicians with a dashboard that consolidates patient information, including test results, appointments, and treatment plans.
Expert Insights
Dr. Vin Diwakar, NHS national clinical transformation director, emphasized the importance of timely care for cancer patients, stating:
“Every cancer patient deserves swift, effective care, and our new Cancer 360 solution harnesses data to ensure exactly that. By giving clinicians a comprehensive view of patient pathways, we can identify and address delays immediately.”
Benefits of Cancer 360
- Facilitates tracking of patient progress and helps prevent delays.
- Enables the creation of personalized treatment plans.
- Reduces paperwork and ensures critical warning signs are not overlooked.
Pilot Programs
Initial trials of the Cancer 360 tool have been conducted at:
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- Royal United Hospital Bath
Suraiya Abdi, a consultant at Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust, noted:
“The implementation of Cancer 360 has enabled my team to monitor and safely carry our patients through their cancer pathway. The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team, allowing them to focus on the patient journey.”
Funding and Future Plans
The initiative is part of a broader investment from the Autumn Budget, which allocated £1 billion for digital transformation projects, including £121 million specifically for the FDP.
Since April 2024, hospitals utilizing the FDP have reported:
- 70,000 additional procedures performed.
- A nearly 19% reduction in unnecessary hospital stays.
Upcoming FDP Services
NHS England has announced three additional FDP services set to launch in 2025:
- Patient Led Validation: Empowers patients to confirm their waiting list status, enhancing transparency.
- Diagnostics Imaging Scheduler: Streamlines diagnostic processes and optimizes scheduling.
- Timely Care Hub: Provides a centralized, real-time view of ward and site activities for better care coordination.
Wider Adoption of FDP
As of April 2025, 108 hospital trusts and 41 integrated care boards have committed to the FDP. The NHSE’s operational planning guidance mandates adherence to an ‘FDP first’ policy, ensuring integration with existing digital and data infrastructures.
Conclusion
The Cancer 360 tool represents a significant step towards enhancing cancer care within the NHS, aiming to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes for healthcare professionals.