N12 Development and introduction of a pre-clinic screening, triage system and virtual consultations for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a nurse led quality improvement project (QIP)

Abstract Background In the IBD centre, Mercy University Hospital( MUH), all patients (Approximately 4000 with IBD) attend outpatient clinic for face-to-face consultations as per prescheduled appointments regardless of disease status. Mismatch between need and access to care. Patients in remission elective appointments, while urgent specialist review may have wait or else clinics which are already at capacity an appointment. The increasing strain on OPD system calls new models care be explored. Aim :develop implement a pre-clinic screening , triage virtual low-risk & evaluate impact patient reported health service outcomes. Prioritise more unstable symptoms consultations, stable increase consultation choice (virtual face face) …Examine experience waiting lists Methods QIP conducted over 6 month period. 1980 included study. 1560 were scheduled 6month timeframe 420 waitlist return/ first time consult. logic model planning PDSA cycles develop ,test, refine implement; 1.A screening, assessment pack assess clinical status education needs 2.Inclusion exclusion criteria 3.Clinic pathway algorithms 4.Weekly MDTs Results 95% completed pack, these 37% eligible telephone 89% those deemed happy switch from consultation. 30% who attended required fast tracking due received earlier interventions e.g. colonoscopies, MRI’s medication optimisation. list was cleared this initiative, offered based result preference. 83% would continue it perceived convenient efficient less disruptive everyday life. Conclusion This study highlighted that management is acceptable patients, significantly decreased visit utilisation can reduce growing burden resources .This initiative had many positive organisational outcomes including elimination list, reduction non-essential attendances potential cost savings.