Smart map launch offers new approach in the battle against lung cancer

Lung cancer patients can now check information about the care they are accessing, after the launch of a new interactive online map. The Lung Cancer Smart Map, which shows patients how treatment and care, in their area compares against government targets, was launched recently by one of the UK Lung Cancer Coalition’s key members, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The Smart Map includes the latest regional data from a range of measures recorded in the National Lung Cancer Audit (NCLA). 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 is hoped that sharing this information will accelerate future positive change.

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.

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

Jesme Fox (Mrs)
Medical Director
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation