Factors associated with variation in emergency diagnoses of cancer at general practice level in England

Patients that are diagnosed with cancer as a result of an emergency presentation have poorer outcomes. This article explores the relationship between practice characteristics and the proportion of emergency presentations in England. The analysis used nationwide data and found that a number of practice characteristics have significant associations with a smaller proportion of emergency diagnosis of cancer. These characteristics include increased trust and confidence in the primary practice healthcare professionals; higher 2-week-wait referral and conversion rate; higher total practice quality, outcomes framework score and higher satisfaction with appointment times / higher proportion able to see preferred GP. Conversely, the analysis also suggested that practices in more deprived areas are significantly associated with a higher proportion of emergency diagnoses of cancer. These findings highlight the importance of communication and strong GP-patient relationship in the delivery of high-quality healthcare.Â