Many patients with haematological malignancies do not require immediate treatment and although there is a risk that the disease will progress, this is often relatively low. The HMDS Outreach programme is designed to allow these patients to be monitored from home without the need for regular visits to hospital.
This is based on regular monitoring of blood test results and symptoms.
This has been shown to be a clinically effective approach and has a high level of patient satisfaction. The programme is gradually being expanded to a wider group of patients.
For further information please read the following article:
Rawstron, A.C. et al. Outreach monitoring service for patients with indolent B-cell and plasma cell disorders: a UK experience. Br J Haematol 139, 845-8 (2007).