Urological Symptoms and Pathways to Diagnosis (USP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Urological Symptoms and Pathways to Diagnosis (USP): Diagnosis of patients with symptomatic kidney and bladder conditions
IRAS ID
203524
Contact name
Yin Zhou
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HVS/2017/2154, Insurance reference
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Early diagnosis of cancer is important for improved survival and patient experience. Reaching a diagnosis needs correct and timely collection of information from tests and follow-up of results. However, what and when tests are done and how results are communicated can vary for different patients with the same cancer. These differences may represent missed diagnostic opportunities in some cases.\n \nThe DIPSTICK study will explore how patients with kidney and bladder problems are investigated. It will look at what and when tests are performed in patients with urinary symptoms, how quickly and the way results are communicated, and when referrals are made. The study will look for factors that affect how quickly a diagnosis is made, how often and the type of situations which might represent missed opportunities for an early diagnosis. The findings will tell us what can be done about these missed opportunities, and inform the development of ways to obtain a quicker/more timely diagnosis of urinary conditions, including cancers. [COVID-19] amendment 15/06/2020; The COVID-19 pandemic response by the NHS has had a profound effect on patient presentation with possible symptoms of cancer, GP responses, access to tests, referral routes, and ultimately diagnosis and commencement of treatment for cancer. We urgently need to understand the impact on patients and GPs in order to deliver appropriate service changes.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0093
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion