Abstract
Aim
To review the new referrals to the Upper GI surgery clinic for appropriateness, investigations requested, and waiting times and to identify potential pathways to reduce waiting times and improve the patient experience.
Method
Patients who attended the UGI clinic over 2 months period were identified. Data were collected from GP referrals and Electronic Patient Records. Follow up, post-discharge appointments, and Did Not Attends were excluded. Data collected included time from referral to first clinic, symptoms, investigations requested, suitability for a pathway, and appropriateness of referral. A first clinic outcome was concluded from reading the GP referral, there were 5 outcomes to choose from; direct to another specialty, discharge back to GP, clinic, surgery, pre-investigate and clinic.
Results
147 referrals were analysed. The average waiting time from referral to the first clinic was 51 days (range 7-119 days). 73% of the referrals were GP referrals and 27% from other specialties. The most common referral was for gallstones and the most common 2 outcomes were Pre-investigate and surgery.
Conclusion
Most of the investigations and outcomes suggested from the project were the same as those from clinic letters. The following pathways can be developed to cut waiting times and costs for the trust:
Super Smart Optimized Round Robin