Abstract
Summary: A large number of review appointments in elective clinics are to discuss results. In well-informed patients, investigations and treatment plans can be discussed by telephone, avoiding the need for a face-to-face consultation. This saves resources, assists in achieving treatment pathway targets, and is financially viable and acceptable to patients.
Background: An audit of the Plymouth foot & ankle service highlighted a long patient wait to discuss the outcome of investigations and plan treatment. Not only is this unacceptable for patients, it adversely affects the flow of the RTT pathways.
Derriford Hospital has a wide catchment area and the foot & ankle service has a military catchment area from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire.
Method: During the initial outpatient consultation, if the clinician feels that the patient is suitable, an arrangement is made to discuss the results of investigations and subsequent treatment plan by telephone. The treatment options are re-iterated in a summary letter of the consultation to the patient.
Conclusion: The preliminary 3 month results are presented and as a concept the clinic has been successful, being acceptable to all patients involved and reducing the requirement to provide additional clinics.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
