Real-world validation of the cancer dysphagia score for primary care triage of suspected upper gastrointestinal cancer referrals

Key Points

• The aim is to validate the cancer dysphagia score for effective triage of upper gastrointestinal cancer referrals in primary care.
• Applied cancer dysphagia score by general practitioners (GPs)
• Assessed sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV)
• Evaluated suitability for routine referral of low-risk dysphagia patients
• Analyzed incorporation into cancer referral pathway
• High sensitivity and NPV demonstrated for low-risk dysphagia patients
• Effectively identified patients suitable for routine referral
• Optimized endoscopy resource allocation without lowering cancer detection rates