How long is too long? A scoping review of health system delays in lung cancer

What is it about?

• We provide extensive review of standardised, benchmarked health system delays to lung cancer care • While most patients first see a specialist within reasonable timeframes, delays from diagnosis to treatment of lung cancer within secondary healthcare remain a concern • Evidence of effectiveness of facilitators such as fast track interventions is limited • Acceptability of maximum waiting times differs depending on which timeframe guideline is applied • Availability, dissemination, and content of timeframe guidelines could be improved • Our findings inform efforts for improved service delivery, and are of interest to Lung Cancer Specialists, policy-makers, and health services researchers.

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