Managing normal diagnosis pathways in abnormal times: An insight into the effects of COVID-19 on lung cancer planned reviews.

For more than 5 years the team at NeoSypher has been at the forefront of helping the NHS, and pharmaceutical and healthcare brands, find true insight in data. We specialise in filtering streams of data from across our industry to bring clarity and unearth hidden gems. Having monitored the last 12 months of data, and the impact of the pandemic on the NHS, we want to share our insights with you to help keep industry informed on how we can continue to support the evolving NHS.

This month, we’re focusing on the decrease in patients receiving planned reviews for potential lung cancer symptoms. From the data, we can see that there has been a 34% reduction in patients with lung cancer symptoms being seen by a healthcare professional within the standard 2 weeks waiting period. This has resulted in an increased volume of potential lung cancer patients being seen as an emergency attendance instead of a planned review. And as COVID has impacted different regions of the UK to varying degrees, there is a further disparity in waiting times between regions compared to last year. This could result in a much later stage diagnosis for each patient. With the impact of the pandemic on the NHS and their resources, these statistics are devastating yet somewhat unsurprising. However, as the restrictions of lockdown start to lift, alongside the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine within the UK, the standard care for patients will hopefully get back on track but there will be a backlog of patients that we will need to support the NHS with.

If you would like to learn more insights about your therapy area, get in touch at hello@NeoSypher.com.