TH5.14 Surgical Telephone Virtual Clinic: A Safe and Effective Alternative to Hot Clinics for Semi-Urgent, Ambulatory Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Many ‘Hot Clinics' deal with ambulatory patients only requiring semi-urgent investigation and treatment, potentially avoiding hospital admission. These clinics often use the same staff and resources being utilised for acute surgical admission and treatment. We present data showing that “Virtual Clinics” (VC) are safe alternatives to this system, improving patient service and relieving a significant burden on the acute surgical units. Method 78 patients who came through the established VC between 23/12/2020 and 19/01/2021 (4 weeks), were assessed for delays in scan date, call-backs, diagnosis, referral patterns, readmission rates and eventual outcomes for those who needed surgical interventions. Results 83% of patients had their scans within the set-out time of 72 hours. 89.7% of scans were reported on the same day. Only 18% of the patients had a surgical diagnosis. 51% had no diagnosis at all and were discharged safely from the clinic. 16.7% were still symptomatic at the time of the VC with 3.8% of these having a surgical pathology. 22% were referred to other specialities. 2 patients were referred to MDT. In total, 6 patients were re-admitted to the hospital (7.6%). 4 patients were listed for surgery following the VC. Conclusion The VC proves to be a safe and effective system for semi-urgent, ambulatory patients. Re-admission rates are low, justifying the discharge of these patients from the acute surgical assessment unit to a virtual follow up environment.