A new digital service has been introduced at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust to help prostate cancer patients receive test results more quickly.
The urology cancer team at Airedale General Hospital has launched a system that automatically sends prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test results to patients by text message, reducing the need for follow-up clinic appointments.
The system uses Robotic Process Automation technology to track when patients are due for their next PSA blood test after treatment for prostate cancer.
It then sends a text reminder asking them to arrange the test and automatically reviews the result once it is available.
If the result falls within the patient’s normal range, a text message confirming the result is sent within 24 hours.
The system then schedules the patient for their next routine review.
Any results outside the expected range are flagged for review by the clinical team.
The initiative is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and has been funded through an innovation award from the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance as part of Airedale’s wider digital transformation programme.
PSA blood tests are regularly used to monitor patients after prostate cancer treatment to check for any signs that the cancer may have returned.
Follow-up schedules vary depending on factors such as the type of treatment received and the patient’s level of risk.
Jonathan, from Ilkley, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and now has PSA tests every six months at his local GP surgery following treatment.
He said the new system could help patients receive reassurance more quickly.
“The quicker you know, the better.
“It just comes through.
"You want to be able to forget about it and just live your life.”
Helen Akhtar said the change could improve the experience for patients.
“Faster access to results will have a positive impact on relieving patient anxiety.
“It will revolutionise the way patients receive their prostate follow up results.
“Importantly it reduces the need for frequent hospital appointments, allowing men to have a life beyond their cancer follow up.”
She added that the team is already exploring other areas where automation could be used to improve cancer services.
“We’re already looking at other procedures where we can move to automation, to make our cancer service even better for our patients,”.
The system uses Blue Prism Cloud technology and has been supported by funding from the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
Helen Ryan said the initiative is part of wider efforts to support new approaches to cancer care across the region.
“Our innovation competition provides funding to initiatives across the region that help to promote early cancer diagnosis and better care for patients.
“We are always keen to support projects which have a particular focus and are delighted to support this initiative which will bring huge benefits to prostate cancer patients.
She added that improvements to systems and processes could also help reduce pressure on services.
“Reducing waiting lists and waiting times not only increases clinic capacity and takes pressure off the system, it greatly improves the experience of cancer patients during a particularly stressful and anxious time of their lives.”
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