Integrating specialist healthcare delivery to optimise patient outcomes

Abstract

Background: The increasing of specialisation and sub specialisation of medicine has resulted in a fragmented treatment approach to some of the most common conditions that present for care. Additionally, the shunting of patients between specialist clinics results in delays to accessing treatment, inefficiencies in treatment planning and execution and potential errors in coordinating treatment plans. We aimed to look at common conditions presenting to our service to generate a more integrated service to serve patients and investigate outcomes following implementation. Model: We have developed a unique model of integrated specialist care to target skin cancer treatment. The co-location of dermatology and plastic surgery specialists, skin cancer education and surveillance services with joint consultation and access to a range of surgical and non surgical treatments was established in accordance with best practice guidelines. Results: We will present preliminary outcome data and patient and doctor feedback for the first 3 months since inception of this pilot service. They have shown a significant reduction in patient access times to assessment and treatment. Patients have reported a significant increase in satisfaction in attending the service. Doctors involved in the integrated care model have reported many benefits of working in this model. Conclusions: We have shown that integrated specialist care targeting the assessment and treatment of skin cancer has provided benefits to both patients and doctors. We hope to develop this concept further to target other common patient presentations and associated linked specialties in the future.