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Safe implementation of index telephone clinic appointments for patients with suspected lower gastrointestinal cancer with concurrent financial and environmental benefits.
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  • Kasun Wanigasooriya,
  • Diwakar Sarma,
  • Peter Woods,
  • Paul O'Connor,
  • Adrian Matthews,
  • Muhammad Imran Aslam,
  • Carolyn Dando,
  • Henry Ferguson,
  • James Francombe,
  • Neeraj Lal,
  • Paul Murphy,
  • Trifonas Papettas,
  • Sean Ramcharan,
  • Karen Busby
Kasun Wanigasooriya
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Diwakar Sarma
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Peter Woods
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Paul O'Connor
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Adrian Matthews
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Muhammad Imran Aslam
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Carolyn Dando
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Henry Ferguson
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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James Francombe
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Neeraj Lal
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Paul Murphy
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Trifonas Papettas
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Sean Ramcharan
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Karen Busby
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
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Abstract

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic led to hospitals in the United Kingdom substituting face-to-face (FtF) clinics with virtual clinic (VC) appointments. We evaluated the impact of virtual two-week wait (2-ww) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) consultations on stakeholders at a district general hospital in England. Methods: Patients undergoing index outpatient 2-ww LGI clinic assessment between 01/06/2019-31/10/2019 (FtF group) and 01/06/2020-31/10/2020 (VC group) were identified. Relevant data were obtained using electronic patient records. Compliance with national cancer waiting time targets (WTT) was assessed. Environmental and financial impact analyses were performed. Results: In total, 1531 patients were analysed (median age=70, male=852, 55.6%). Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed virtually via telephone; the remainder were seen FtF (n=774, 50.6%). Ninety two (6%, VC=44, FtF=48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) had colorectal cancer (CRC); of these, 46 (71.9%, VC=26, FtF=20) underwent treatment with curative intent. The median waiting times to index appointment, investigation and diagnosis were significantly lower following VC assessment (p<0.001). The cancer detection rates (p=0.749), treatments received (p=0.785) and median time to index treatment for CRC patients (p=0.156) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients were seen within two weeks of referral in the VC group (p<0.001). VC appointments saved patients a total of 9288 miles, 0.7 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and £7482.97. Taxpayers saved £80,242.00 from VCs. No adverse events or complaints were reported in the VC group. Conclusion: Virtual 2-ww LGI clinics were effective, safe and were associated with tangible environmental and financial benefits for stakeholders.
06 Jun 2021Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
08 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
01 Sep 20211st Revision Received
06 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
06 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
06 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor