Abstract
Introduction
Ambulatory Care (AC), where patients receive inpatient cancer treatment on an outpatient basis, was introduced into the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) in 2004. Although now well-established within some services, the development of AC across the NHS is yet to be described. We report findings of a scoping review which set out to understand the provenance of the clinical pathway, whilst exploring drivers for the development of AC in the
UK.
Methods
Using scoping review methods, database, citation and grey literature, searches were undertaken to map the storyline of AC’s development internationally. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidance was followed; this included consultation with six professionals considered critical to the development of AC.
Results
From the 57 records identified between 1979 to 2022, four domains were identified through a narrative synthesis that reflected the drivers for AC: financial; optimisation of bed capacity; advances in technology and supportive care; and professional motivation to improve patient experience.
Conclusion
We report the first descriptive analysis of the international development of AC, locating the UK cancer service within its commissioning, operational and philosophical foundations. The review additionally highlights limited research exploring experience of the AC model from the patients’ perspective.