551 Patient Satisfaction with Telephone Consultations in A One-Stop Breast Clinic During COVID-19 Pandemic. (12th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phyu, S; Bunza, R; Vashisht, R; Barkeji, M; Elfadl, D
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-12
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Telemedicine has gained an important role in medical practice lately, particularly in the outpatient setting. In our unit, virtual consultations were previously used for results clinics only. However, the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic necessitated change of practice to address issues of triage, infection control, cancer target times, and decreased capacity in the face of maintained demand. New patients underwent a telephone consultation followed by a clinic visit one week afterwards to complete triple assessment. We aimed to assess patient satisfaction with the phone consultation and subsequent care. Method: Patients referred from general practice to the Breast Unit at West Middlesex University Hospital, who had a telephone appointment in the period 15/04/2020 to 15/07/2020, were included. The study was registered with the Clinical governance department. Patients received text messages with anonymised links to an online survey and were contacted over the telephone to explain the survey. Results: 219 successful phone calls were made to eligible patients, and 126 patients responded to the survey (57.5%). 78% felt that they were able to express all or most of their concerns over the phone. 86% spent less than 2 hours in clinic. 87% felt social distancing and safety measures were adequate. More than 75% were overall satisfied with their care. Conclusions: We further discuss responses to this survey. Patients were largely satisfied; however, areas of improvement were identified, and changes need to be made to ensure telemedicine is used to its full potential and is appropriately incorporated in the post COVID-19 practice.