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Chemotherapy: Putting Patient Safety First
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Chemotherapy: putting patient safety first
Plus comment from Alison Jones, Chair of the Association of Cancer Physicians
Introduction
The 12 months since the publication of the Cancer Reform Strategy have been marked by landmark announcements and publications on treatments and services for people with malignant disease. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has issued key alerts on oral chemotherapy (January 2008) and use of vinca alkaloids (August 2008).
In November, the National Cancer Director for England, Mike Richards, issued his much-heralded recommendation to allow patients to partially fund their care while remaining within the auspices of the NHS. Just days later, the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD, Panel 1) issued a 140-page report on deaths following chemotherapy or other systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), accompanied by responses from specialist organisations and the National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (NCAG).
- NCEPOD is an independent organisation, largely funded by the Department of Health, that reviews clinical practice and identifies areas where changes can be made to improve the safety and efficacy of patient care
- Its recommendations are based on critical examination, by senior specialists, of what has actually happened to patients during the designated study period
- Each year, organisations and individuals are invited to suggest topics for forthcoming enquiries, using a Study Proposal Form, which is made available on the NCEPOD website (http://www.ncepod.org.uk/) when the call for proposals is announced
- Participation in NCEPOD enquiries, when requested, is mandatory for trusts under Department of Health guidance on Clinical Governance. Additionally, the General Medical Council requires clinicians to take part (Good Medical Practice, 2001)
Panel 1: What is NCEPOD?
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Discussion.