Eastern Region

Q. We have concerns about our system suppliers readiness for SACT v4.0 and are concerned any delay on their part will affect the Trust.

A. Trusts will not be penalised for supplier delays; however, we must distinguish between supplier readiness and Trust implementation. The panel stressed the importance of ongoing communication and continued submission of SACT v3.0 data until upgrades are complete.

Q. Please can we have more clarification on the definition and recording of 'upfront dose modification’?

A. The panel addressed common questions regarding the differences between regimen, cycle, and dose modifications, explaining this is an iterative nature of these processes and their correct application within the SACT v4.0 dataset. Trusts should refer to the user guide for clear explanations and flow diagrams.

Q. What areas of additional support are available for Trusts?

A. The panel advised they were compiling a frequently asked questions document, organised by region, to address recurring concerns and provide clear answers based on previous meetings.

A. In addition, a recorded version of the presentation (with video captioning), will be published on the NDRS website's SACT dataset webinar section, after all regional sessions are concluded.

Q. What is the testing process for SACT v4.0?

A. Trusts must email their test files to their regional Data Liaison Manager (DLM), which are then validated for required data items and expected volumes; successful files are loaded into the live system, and mapping is updated accordingly.

A. If a system supplier is delayed, Trusts must continue uploading via the portal using SACT v3.0 mapping until their SACT v4.0 test file passes validation.

A. It is important to adhere to the standard file naming conventions and header row templates, offering technical support for any system-specific issues.

A. There is a technical document and example data rows are available for download, and additional examples can be provided upon request.

Q. Are we able to include private sector data?

A. A formal written statement will be provided to clarify the position on private sector data inclusion.

ACTION: Panel to write and publish statement on private sector data inclusion.

Q. What is the data reporting format?

A. Data must be reported in CSV format with strict column naming conventions and offered to provide test data lines and technical guidance to support teams in preparing their files.

Q. Is there any additional support for Trusts implementing the new EPIC reporting solution?

A. There are several Trusts, including Cambridge, Manchester, and Exeter, who use Epic and Trusts were advised to contact Marianne to facilitate introductions to peers for support.

Q. Please could we have a little more clarification around the Modification sections?

A. The regimen modification is for upfront changes, while cycle and dose modifications are recorded as they occur, with detailed guidance available.

Q. Why was there a change to the consultant code?

A. Trusts must submit both the council and code for the care professional initiating treatment, this was an enforced change by NHSE, and it now aligns SACT with all other NHS information standards.