Mortality within 30 days following systemic anti-cancer therapy,a review of all cases over a 4 year period in a tertiary cancer centre

BackgroundThe national confidential enquiry into patient outcomes and death (NCEPOD) set important benchmarks in assessing the quality of care received by patients dying within 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT). Monthly morbidity and mortality audits conducted to recommendations in the NCEPOD were commenced at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 2009, specifically to assess and improve patient outcomes.MethodsWe evaluated the outcomes of patients who died within 30 days of SACT over a 4 year period 2009–2013. We collated audit findings to determine the number of treatment related deaths, clinical characteristics of patients, causes of death and quality of care received. We examined the benefit of the audit in decreasing 30 day mortality during the 4 years and considered factors that may be associated with an increased risk of SACT related death.ResultsA total of 31,183 patients were treated at the Christie from 2009 to 2013. Of these 4% died within 30 days of SACT. Death was treatment related in 11%. The decision to treat with SACT was appropriate in 87% of but there was room for improvement in care in 24%. Mortality decreased over the 4 years. Possible factors associated with 30 day mortality post SACT included performance status ⩾2, presence of comorbidities, treatment type and treatment setting.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that our audit process is feasible and robust. Further areas of research to determine predictive scores for patient treatment selection and improve outcomes were highlighted and are ongoing.