Rapid Access Referrals for Prostate Cancer

This project is funded by Cancer Research UK. It involves designing, implementing and evaluating an improved pathway for prostate cancer diagnosis. The project team includes multi-disciplinary researchers at University of Stirling, and clinicians and managers at NHS Fife. The team is supported and guided by stakeholders and people with lived experience of cancer.

The improved pathway introduces a nurse-led model for suspected prostate cancer referrals. The aim is to improve the flow from GP referral to decision to treat. We expect this will lead to improved patient experience and reduced delays. We are also interested in whether and how the new pathway impacts on inequalities in health. Our evaluation will explore these outcomes, and any unintended consequences of the new pathway. Our work will result in new knowledge about how to improve cancer diagnosis pathways elsewhere.