New interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients at Royal Brompton can now get tested, diagnosed and given a comprehensive treatment plan - all in a single day.
Previously, patients needed to attend multiple clinics or be admitted for a three-night stay, to undergo the tests needed for a clear diagnosis.
But a wholesale clinic reorganisation, led by consultants Dr Peter George and Professor Athol Wells, means the team can now complete all diagnostics in one day – improving the experience and eliminating overnight stays for most patients.
Dr George explained: “ILD patients are often breathless and may have limited mobility, so it is inconvenient for them to make multiple trips to hospital. At the same time it is not practical for us to use inpatient beds for patients who are undergoing tests.”
The clinics were redesigned around patients – the outpatient appointment starts in the morning with tests including lung function, bloods, CT scan and ECG (where it is necessary to check a person’s heart rhythm). The results are reviewed by a consultant, who meets the patient to discuss their diagnosis, and most are able to go home with a treatment plan in place by lunchtime.
Professor Wells said: “It’s a simple principle but it takes a great deal of work to ensure we have the personnel, the clinic space and admin, and the imaging and laboratory support, to create a seamless visit for patients. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their role in making this possible.”
George Coldrake, 68, a retired brewer from Watford who likes to spend time travelling, playing golf, and looking after his grandchildren, was pleased that the visit was quicker than expected.
He said: “Regular trips to Royal Brompton would have been a lot more inconvenient than just having to come in for one day.
“It was very efficient. I got here at 8.10am and I finished everything at about 11.15am – so just about three hours. I’ve had a blood test, CT scan and breathing test, and haven’t had to wait much in between. It’s a lot better this way.
“I knew everything in advance so I was prepared, which was good. It’s been a lot quicker than I had thought and all the people have been very pleasant. I’ve been very impressed by it all.”
Currently, the one stop shop approach is for new ILD patients, but the team is investigating how other clinics could be similarly streamlined. The new way of working will bring its own financial benefits in reduced ILD admissions alone, with significant savings expected when the method is rolled out to other conditions such as asthma and allergies.
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