Abstract
Objective: Prolonged waiting time after being referred for a specialist opinion has plagued the NHS despite pressures to deliver optimum healthcare. We have assessed changes in clinical situation in patients referred to a spinal service while awaiting the first assessment.
Materials & Results: 89 patients were referred to our unit between Jan 2001 and December 2004. The gender distribution in this cohort was equal and the mean age was 50.7 yrs. The mean delay for being seen in the clinic was 28.4 mo (16–58 mo). Significant changes in the symptom pattern were noted in 46 patients, of which 8 patients reported radicular symptoms on a different side. In addition, 7 patients experienced an increased severity in the existing symptoms. 43 patients had been referred to us with an MRI. However due to the delay, 20 of these patients required re-scanning. Following the clinical assessment 25 patients were referred for Physiotherapy, 4 patients required a further clinical review and 44 patients were referred for further imaging.
Conclusion: The problem of excessive out-patient waiting time results in changes in symptom patterns and an increase in the severity of existing symptoms. The changes frequently results in an increased requirement of re-imaging.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Caroline Goldberg, The Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland.
