AB1599 EVALUATING HOW EFFECTIVELY PATIENTS WITH A NEW INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS ARE BEING TRIAGED INTO THE APPROPRIATE CLINIC AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN THE UK: A RETROSPECTIVE AUDIT

Background Early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory arthritis (IA) is essential: BSR guidance states patients must be seen within three weeks started on disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARDs) six weeks. Objectives To evaluate how effectively people referred with a new IA are being triaged, whether national standards met analyse variables which may influence triage IA. Methods A retrospective review was performed all in EIA-clinic those EIA who had been non-EIA clinics from 01/09/21-31/11/21. Data collected days’ wait referral to assessment/ commencement DMARD. We calculated the conversion rate (CR) (percentage referrals triaged clinic that have EIA) detection (DR) clinic). The standard for CR DR 50% 95%, respectively. then examined why some were not using information provided referral. Results Of 36/73 an EIA, giving 49%. diagnoses made during time-period 36/53 appropriately clinic, 68%. Patients average 5 assessment/commencement In contrast, 10 previous audit before COVID-19 (01/11/19- 01/01/20) showed 25% (115 EIA-clinic, 29 diagnoses) 69% (29 diagnoses, 20 EIA-clinic). inappropriately did pattern joint involvement or ability make fist documented, comparison 38 EIA-clinic. Conclusion do meet but starting DMARD outside either these standards. Only 68% clinics, highlighting need improve process. Compared audit, has improved whilst stayed steady. identified appear Next steps include making details compulsory, exploring data electronically CR/ rates, artificial intelligence informed modelling. References N/A. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure Interests None Declared.