Interventional techniques are effective in improving pain control and reducing side effects in patients experiencing complex cancer pain. (1) In 2008 Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC) established ICPS. This multidisciplinary service provides a range of interventions including intra-thecal drug delivery (ITDD), cordotomy, and neurolytic procedures. BWoSCC serves a population of 2.5 million people. An objective is to ensure patients have ‘equitable access to high quality cancer services’. (3)

Methods The ICPS maintains a database of every patient referral. This allowed us to collect patient demographics, Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) status and assessment outcomes.

Results 609 patients were referred to the service from 2008 – December 2019. 602 patients included in study, 310 (51%) male, 292 (49%) female. Age range: 16 to 91, median 60. 462 patients assessed -161(35%) proceeded to intervention, 67 (15%) to ITDD trial, 94 (20%) received alternative intervention. Most common cancer types referred were lung, colorectal and upper GI. Comparing ICPS data with wider regional data identified specific cancer types which were more likely to undergo an intervention. Deprivation status of ICPS patients were compared to overall West of Scotland (WoS) population. ICPS saw a higher proportion of patients from both highest and lowest quintile compared to the overall WoS cancer population but this was not statistically significant. The majority of interventions were undertaken in highest deprivation status. 54 (34.6%) patients were quintile 1, 22 (14.1%) quintile 2, 22 (14.1%) quintile 3, 22 (14.1%) quintile 4, 36 (23.1%) quintile 5. The proportion of referrals, clinic assessments and interventions were similar in all of the deprivation quintiles.

Conclusions In conclusion, deprivation status does not significantly impact on referral or treatment patterns within ICPS. Findings suggest patients had equitable access to the service and deprivation status did not affect the likelihood of receiving an intervention.