TY - JOUR T1 - Rationalising the lung cancer diagnostic pathway with CT triage; a single centre UK experience JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.2908 VL - 56 IS - suppl 64 SP - 2908 AU - Eleanor Barton AU - Helen Mcdill AU - Jonathan Noble AU - Martin Plummeridge AU - Anna Bibby Y1 - 2020/09/07 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/56/suppl_64/2908.abstract N2 - Background: As early diagnosis of lung cancer increases the chance of curative treatment, it is important to optimise the diagnostic pathway. The aim of this study was to determine whether triaging computed tomography (CT) scans prior to initial clinic appointment could reduce unnecessary appointments and increase service efficiency.Methods: All patients referred to a single UK centre via the rapid-access suspected lung cancer pathway from 01/04/2020 to 30/06/2020 were reviewed. Reasons for referral, radiological investigations and ultimate diagnoses were obtained.Results: 152 patients were referred. 39 (25.7%) were ultimately diagnosed with cancer. 24 (15.8%) had normal CT scans; none had cancer. Nodules were found in 12 patients (7.9%), whilst 71 (46.7%) CTs showed alternative, non-malignant pathology. (Figure 1)By initiating a new cancer pathway, in which patients with normal CT scans were informed by telephone and discharged, those with non-malignant pathology were scheduled for routine appointments, and patients with nodules were diverted to a virtual nodule clinic, approximately 30 new lung cancer appointments could be made available each month.Conclusion: Introducing CT triage of referrals to a rapid-access lung cancer clinic can reduce the number of appointments required and expedite the pathway for patients with a high risk of lung cancer. Adequate supporting pathways are needed to facilitate this. Figure 1 FootnotesCite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 2908.This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only). ER -