Keywords:
Musculoskeletal system, Oncology, CT, MR, Biopsy, Cancer, Neoplasia
Authors:
A. Nobre, T. Lloyd, M. Lowe, E. Knox; Brisbane, QLD/AU
DOI:
10.26044/ranzcr2021/R-0329
Conclusion
- The DSMDT is shown to efficiently triage and vet referrals to the sarcoma service and streamlines the initial diagnostic process.
- The results of our study support overseas experience and show that the implementation of the DSMDT significantly reduces the time to the first formalised management plan from 39 days to 7.4 days and increases the number of patient’s referrals seen per month by 79% to 70 patients.
- The DSMDT has multiple benefits for patients. Patients are not required to travel large distances, they are likely required to attend fewer appointments prior to definitive diagnosis due to the nature of the DSMDT. Furthermore, there is less strain on hospital resources requiring no clinic space, less staffing requirement.
- Orthopaedic oncology and MSK radiology are involved early in the diagnostic process to reduce inefficiencies that would have previously produced longer wait times and inevitably cause a delay in the commencement of treatment.
- Ultimately, by hastening the early diagnostic process this will influence the time to definitive diagnosis or exclusion of sarcoma. Overall, this will allow for the earlier commencement of definitive treatment and improved patient outcomes. The consolidation of this process saves money in addition to minimising the burden on the health infrastructure and available subspecialty resources.