RCLCF launches interactive Lung Cancer Smart Map

Jul 31 2013

Lung cancer patients can now check they are getting the best care available after the launch of a new interactive online map.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (RCLCF) announced the launch today of its Lung Cancer Smart Map, which shows patients how treatment in their area compares against government targets.

Dr Jesme Fox, Medical Director at the RCLCF said: “There may be many reasons why some areas aren’t meeting national standards but the point of this map is to give patients the power to ask why.

“We hope that the Smart Map will encourage patients to work with their doctors in making sure they get the best care available.”

Dr Michael Peake, Clinical Lead for the National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA), said: “The Lung Cancer Smart Map is a great way to make our data on the quality and outcomes of lung cancer services across the UK easily available and easily understandable to the general public. Patients and their families have a right to know what information is ‘out there’ on the hospitals in which they might be treated and this map is an excellent example of how that can be achieved.”

Public health minister Anna Soubry said: “This interactive cancer map is a great source of information which empowers lung cancer patients to make better informed choices about the care and treatment they receive.

“I’d like to commend the Foundation’s commitment to diagnosing lung cancer earlier and identifying the best treatments available in order to save as many lives as possible.”

Please click on the following link to view the map: http://bit.ly/12smaPW

The Smart Map includes the latest regional data from a range of measures recorded in the NLCA. It compares local real-world hospital data to the nationally recommended standards of care. Hospitals have made consistent progress in treating lung cancer since the NLCA audit began in 2004 but there is still significant room for improvement and it’s hoped that sharing this information will accelerate future positive change.

It is hoped that the Smart Map can also encourage improvements in timely referral from primary care. It includes local data from the National Cancer Intelligence Network’s (NCIN) “Routes to Diagnosis” study which showed that lung cancer patients who are diagnosed via a managed referral rather than an emergency admission have improved outcomes.

Source: http://www.roycastle.org/