Effective Cancer Management: framework

8. Dynamic Tracking, Escalation and Action

Dynamic tracking should be core business. This allows active monitoring of all patients as they move through their pathways, keeping within agreed milestones.

Any slowing of the pathway or challenges should be noted promptly through tracking, escalated as required and acted upon, following the locally agreed Cancer Management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

All staff involved in the cancer pathway should be thoroughly familiar with escalation processes, including when these should take place and to whom.

A solution to patient pathway delays must be found and is everyone’s responsibility.

8.1 The process of dynamic tracking and escalation should be agreed and detailed in local Cancer Management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which should be reviewed and updated annually (as a minimum).

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

8.3 Tracking staff should have strong working relationships with Service Managers & Diagnostic Teams to allow for effective escalations and active movements of the patients’ journey.

8.4 Tracking staff must be knowledgeable in the latest version of the Cancer Waiting Times (CWT) Data & Definitions Manual (PHS 2024)

8.5 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.

8.6 All staff involved in the cancer pathway should respond promptly to any Cancer Tracker’s escalation, with actions being taken to expedite the patients’ pathways.

8.7 Escalations should be monitored and measured as this could be used as an effective gauge of cancer pathway effectiveness and to assist with service planning.