Effective Cancer management: framework

4. Dynamic Tracking and Escalation

Dynamic tracking should be core business to actively monitor the patient as they move through their pathway, keeping within agreed milestones.

Any slowing of the pathway or challenges should be promptly acted upon by the skilled tracking staff, following the locally agreed Cancer Management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

All staff involved in the cancer pathway, from referral to treatment, should be thoroughly familiar with the escalation process, including when this should take place and to whom, to help avoid any delays.

4.1 The process of dynamic tracking and escalation should be agreed and detailed in the Cancer Management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which should be reviewed and updated annually.

4.2 The SOP should be disseminated widely to all those involved in the cancer pathway, to ensure everyone is clear on their
role and associated timed milestones.

4.3 Tracking staff should be empowered by the Cancer Senior Management Team to make strong links with Service Managers & Diagnostic Teams to enable them to undertake effective escalation and ensure effective and efficient communication between all relevant parties.

4.4 Tracking staff must be knowledgeable in the latest version of the cancer waiting times (CWT) Data & Definitions Manual.

4.5 Tracking staff must be fully aware of the appropriate application of waiting times adjustments (WTA), sharing best practice across the cancer tracking network in NHS Scotland.

4.6 All staff involved in the cancer pathway should respond promptly to any Cancer Tracker's escalation.