Patient data was used to analyse the effects of treatment and led to the development of a chemotherapy consent form
What happened?
Patient data was analysed to understand the effects of cancer treatment. The study looked at how well patients fared after the first 30 days of treatment with Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT), which includes chemotherapy. The study aimed to help hospitals improve how they care for patients and led to the development of a consent form for chemotherapy. The consent form will help doctors make sure patients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of treatment before starting chemotherapy.
Why was this work needed?
Using patient data to understand the effects of cancer treatment is needed to make sure doctors can give the best care possible. The use of SACT treatments is increasing, and there are often many side effects, so it’s important to understand how these treatments are affecting patients.
What was the benefit?
Although written consent for chemotherapy is not required by law, having a consent form to sign will encourage doctors and patients to talk about the risks and benefits of treatment. This will help doctors and patients choose the best care possible and reduce unnecessary harm.
What type of data was involved?
NCRAS analysed patient data from the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) dataset. The SACT dataset is collected by NCRAS within Public Health England.
What was the legal basis for accessing this data?
NCRAS has legal permission to collect patient level data and use it for research to protect the health of the population. This permission is granted under Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006.
Who funded and collaborated on this work?
The study was carried out by NCRAS and Cancer Research UK. The consent forms were developed by Cancer Research UK.
Where can I go for more information?
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Chemotherapy Dataset
New findings on post-chemotherapy deaths using world-first PHE cancer data
This work uses data that has been provided by patients and collected by the NHS as part of their care and support. The data are collated, maintained and quality assured by the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, which is part of Public Health England (PHE).