Remote triage incorporating symptom-based risk stratification for suspected head and neck cancer referrals: A prospective population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Remote triage for suspected head and neck cancer (HNC) referrals was adopted by many institutions during the initial peak of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Its safety in this population has not been established.

Methods

A 16-week, prospective, multicenter national service evaluation was started on March 23, 2020. Suspected HNC referrals undergoing remote triage in UK secondary care centers were identified and followed up for a minimum of 6 months to record the cancer status. Triage was supported by risk stratification using a validated calculator.

Results

Data for 4568 cases were submitted by 41 centers serving a population of approximately 26 million. These represented 14.1% of the predicted maximum referrals for this population outside of pandemic

SUBMITTER: Hardman JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9291313 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature