INTRODUCTION Conventional publicly funded out-patient services in many specialties are characterised by delays, fragmented diagnostic processes, and overloaded clinics. This is bad for patients as it is clinically dangerous; bad for managers who spend hours managing the failure; bad for doctors who respond by overloading clinics; and bad for purchasers who have to fund the multiple out-patient visits needed. Sound clinical and financial reasons exist for introducing more efficient diagnostic processes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 330 consecutive patients referred to the urology department of Guy' and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust were invited to attend one of nine one-stop clinics staffed by consultant urologists with specialist registrars, nurses, and clerical staff. Pre-clinic blood and urine tests were ordered based on the referral letter. Clinics had facilities to perform cystoscopy, ultrasound, and urinary flow studies. Correspondence was generated in real time, and a copy given to the patient. RESULTS Overall, 257 patients attended the clinics. Twenty-three patients cancelled appointments and 50 patients did not attend. Pre-clinic tests were requested in 133 patients and were completed by 86% of the patients who attended. Of patients, 42% were diagnosed and discharged; 28% were listed for surgery, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or referred to another specialty. About 30% of patients needed further out-patient review; in approximately two-thirds to complete a diagnosis and one-third to review the results of therapy initiated. An estimated 350 appointments and 550 patient visits to hospital were saved. CONCLUSIONS A one-stop method of consultation is efficient across a range of urological presenting complaints, and dramatically reduces the need for follow–up consultations. It has potential to: (i) reduce delays to being seen in out-patients; (ii) lead to more cost-effective care; and (iii) increase safety and patient satisfaction. It should become the standard of care in urology, and is probably applicable in many other disciplines.
Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation in Children with Benign Disorders: Improved Survival and Cost-Effective Care Over 15 Years from a Single Center in India
