Evaluating the impact of the metastatic spinal cord compression coordinator in a regional cancer network: a prospective, non-randomized pilot study

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BACKGROUND: Extradural metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a debilitating and potentially irreversible complication of cancer. Delay in treatment could lead to irreversible neurological damage, adverse quality of life and a burden on health care resources. Lack of effective communication between teams has been identified as one of the reasons for delay in treatment. The MSCC coordinator (often a nurse, radiotherapy radiographer or a doctor) is responsible for coordinating the diagnosis and management of patients with MSCC. The role has been shown to streamline service, ensure timely decision-making and improved survival outcomes. However, available data are anecdotal or from limited series presented as abstracts in conferences. In this study, we assessed the impact (time to treatment) of the newly introduced role on the treatment pathway compared to similar period in the preceding year. METHODS: This was a multi-centre, prospective, pilot study carried out in Kent, UK between 1st April to 30th June 2021. Patients were considered eligible if they had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed cauda equina or cord compression. The data prospectively collected include: (I) time from diagnostic imaging to radiotherapy treatment; (II) number of referrals to hospital palliative care (HPC), occupational/physiotherapy (OPH) and community hospice referrals (CHP). A comparative retrospective data for (I) was collected for the same time period in the preceding year. The study outcome assessed was reduction in time from radiological diagnosis of MSCC to receiving radiotherapy. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients in 2020 and 24 patients in 2021 were included in the dataset. The MSCC coordinator role (introduced in 2021) led to reduction in the time from imaging to treatment (P=0.045). Compared to 2020, there was a shorter mean/median time to treatment, seeing more patients being treated within 24 hours. All hospitals except East Kent Hospitals saw more patients being treated within 24 hours. 7 referrals each made to HPC, OPH and CHP respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of MSCC coordinator role led to improved time from imaging to radiotherapy treatment. The new service led to engagement with rehabilitative and palliative services. Future work should be done to assess the long-term impact of this role on utilization of support services and patient recovery.

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