Early diagnosis of cancer: systems approach to support clinicians in primary care

Abstract

Georgia Black and colleagues argue that rather than focusing on the initial consultation efforts to reduce diagnosis times should look at the wider system

Putting the components back in the systems approach to early diagnosis of cancer

“…The systems approach proposed by Black and colleagues to aid cancer diagnosis looks enticing 1. But there seems to be discrepancy between the proposed solution and the breadth of the current problem, and the apparent interchangeability between a systems approach and technology based approach might be confusing to some.…”

The relationship between patient enablement and help‐seeking in the context of blood cancer symptoms

“…An example of this balance would be to augment public remote symptom monitoring) 33 or patient navigators to prevent delays and other patient safety issues could ensure that people with lower patient enablement are not disadvantaged. 34 It will also be important to build on the momentum of public awareness campaigns and consider other psychological influences on help-seeking so that they can continue to evolve and have the greatest impact on early cancer diagnosis and survival. Our findings have implications for the use of theoretical approaches to develop interventions that encourage timely help-seeking.…”

“…Optimising the system in which the individual operates through the use of technology (e.g. remote symptom monitoring) 33 or patient navigators to prevent delays and other patient safety issues could ensure that people with lower patient enablement are not disadvantaged 34 …”

Systems approach applies to diagnosis of other conditions

“…Black and colleagues recognise the complexity of journeys to diagnosis (or timely diagnosis) 1. Their pragmatic, considered analysis resonates with our experience of clinical care, highlighting opportunities for improvement of a complex problem without simplifying or diminishing the challenges.…”