Acute Oncology Service (AOS) in NHS Scotland: principles

6. Key Principles

Key Principles of a National AOS Model

• Timely and equitable access to specialist oncology review and advance planning for all cancer patients presenting with a cancer-related emergency
• Evidence based management protocols and pathways to ensure safe, high quality and effective treatment for emergency cancer care
• Adherence to national standards and guidance evidenced through audit
• Alternative pathways to hospital admission and reduced variation in hospital length of stay following emergency presentation
• Standardised training and education programme for staff involved in the care of AO patients to ensure safe high quality care is available 24/7
• Effective communication
• pathways and record keeping to ensure that all those involved in the patient’s care (primary, secondary and tertiary care), are informed regarding emergency presentations and actions

Having these in place will achieve:

Person centred care:

• A service that provides better care by considering and responding to the needs of the person, and empowering individuals through realistic medicine, to ensure personal values guide the clinical decisions.

Improved awareness and reduction of presentations at Emergency Departments:

• A resilient and sustainable service that provides public and professional awareness of urgent cancer symptoms and a range of options for accessing emergency and unplanned care via expert advice 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Reduction in variation in practice and improved outcomes:

• A service that provides timely access to specialist information and optimises the safety and quality of care, for those requiring unplanned emergency cancer care.
• A service that improves patient outcomes and patient experience and reduces unwarranted variation in practice.

Best Practice:

• A service that ensures care is delivered according to the best evidence-based guidelines and relevant UK guidance.
• A service that ensures coordination and seamless care for patients requiring emergency and urgent cancer care, including onward referral to appropriate services.

More Efficient Hospitals:

• Supporting safe operational flow for all patients that need timely access to specialist care.