Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) – a novel approach to expand access
to secondary care in gynaecology during the COVID-19 pandemic: a
single-institution intervention study
Abstract
Background-The COVID-19 pandemic called for significant restructuring of
healthcare system in the United Kingdom to overcome the burden on
emergency services and restore elective activities.This study aims to
discuss the development of a new triage system of reviewing gynaecology
e-referrals to secondary care and analyse the sustainability of this
service beyond the pandemic.The streamlining of primary care referrals
was conceptualised on the framework of Clinical Assessment Service (CAS)
as recommended by NHS Long-Term Plan. Method-CAS was implemented in our
gynaecology department as a response to COVID-19 pandemic.E-referrals
triaged using CAS in phase 1 were reviewed and areas of improvement
identified. A second review was carried out in phase 2 after
implementing changes to ensure improved services.The outcomes of
interest were appropriateness of referrals,destination appointments and
percentage of virtual appointments. Results-185 e-referrals in phase 1
and 85 e-referrals in phase 2 were analysed.Training and education of
relevant stakeholders and a more efficient CAS in phase 2 resulted in
significant reduction in inappropriate referrals from 14% to 3%
[RR-0.17 (95% CI - 0.04-0.72); p=0.02].For every 9 e-referral
reviewed in CAS,1 inappropriate referral was avoided.The number of
virtual appointments increased by 16% (45% in Group 1, 61% in Group
2). Conclusion-CAS framework provides a sustainable strategy to overcome
disruptions in the provision of elective outpatient services caused by
COVID-19 pandemic.It reduces inappropriate secondary care
e-referrals,allows management of eligible patients digitally,shortens
patient care pathway and creates a dynamic link between the primary care
providers and specialist care.