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28 July 2009: Head and neck cancer patients are receiving better care than in previous years, but there is still room for improvement, the summary report from the National Head and Neck Cancer Audit (DAHNO) shows today.

More patients in England and Wales had their care planned by specialist teams in 2008 compared to previous years and waited less time for key elements of care, such as chest imaging.

The fourth national audit analysed care records submitted by NHS trusts for the period of November 2007 to October 2008. The records submitted represent 62 per cent (3,671) of an estimated 5,910 cases in England and 94 per cent (367) of an estimated 390 cases in Wales.

The audit is managed by The NHS Information Centre, commissioned and funded by The Healthcare Quality Partnership (HQIP) and supported by a wide group of both medical and non medical professional bodies, the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists (BAHNO) and health departments in England and Wales. It shows:

• Overall, the average time from biopsy to the reporting of biopsy results improved, with a 10 per cent reduction compared to the previous year in cases having an interval of more than 10 days.
• Approximately 85 per cent of cases had an interval of less than 10 days.
• Multi disciplinary teams (MDTs) discussed 92 per cent of patient cases, compared to 74.2 per cent the previous year; while the number of submissions where this information was not recorded fell from 20 to one per cent. Seven per cent of cases were not discussed by MDTs, despite the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending 100 per cent of cases are discussed.
• Overall 61 per cent of patients with a care plan had a chest imaging (a chest x-ray or scan of the chest) recorded in 2008, compared to 32 per cent of patients in 2006. However NICE guidelines state every patient should have chest imaging.

NHS Trust identifiable data is included in the audit, which aims to give comparative feedback to trusts, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.

NHS Information Centre chief executive Tim Straughan said: "Now in its fourth year, the audit shows improvements in the care of those with head and neck cancers, which affect the lives of more than six thousand people in England and Wales.

"There have also been improvements in the data submitted to the audit, but NHS trusts need to build on this and further improve both the level and the quality of the data they submit. This will ensure future audits present an even more comprehensive picture of head and neck cancer care, and ultimately improve the experience of patients who have the disease."

Richard Wight, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon and Head and Neck Audit lead, said: "Further pieces of the multi-professional aspects of head and neck cancer care have been revealed, and as comprehensive submissions continue to rise, a more complete picture of head and neck cancer care will emerge. This report brings that goal ever closer."

Robin Burgess, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership said: "The National Head and Neck Cancer Audit shows the value of clinical audit in leading to measurable changes in care and treatment for patients. Without clinical audit, these year on year improvements may not be achieved."

For more information, or to view the full report, click here.

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