The new electronic tool brings all of the data on cancer patients into one central system and will help teams track a patient’s progress.
A new tool, called Cancer 360, supported by the NHS, brings all of the data on cancer patients into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker. The government estimates that the technology will benefit millions over the next decade.
The real-time tool will help teams track a patient’s progress, avert delays and produce personalised treatment plans. It should reduce paperwork and help ensure vital warning signs aren’t missed.
The new tool is built into the NHS Federated Data Platform, which brings patient information together from across separate systems into one safe and secure environment.
Since April 2024, hospitals using the platform have typically performed 70,000 more procedures and reduced unnecessary hospital stays by almost 19%.
“The tool enables us to have in-depth conversations at our weekly meetings regarding a patient’s next step as well as allowing us to escalate queries directly to other teams for faster turnaround,” said Suraiya Abdi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust.
“The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team therefore enabling them to focus on the patient journey. I have witnessed an improvement in performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience,” she added.
Following pilots at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Royal United Hospital Bath, Cancer 360 is expected to be rolled out across all NHS trusts.
