Streamlined haematuria pathway: Reduced waiting times and improved cost benefits

Abstract

Objectives: Haematuria is a common urological complaint that carries a significant burden to our healthcare system. Due to the complex investigation algorithm for haematuria, incomplete referrals result in multiple appointments. We established the “streamlined haematuria pathway” (SHP) phone clinic, and this study evaluated the effect of SHP on waiting times, patient care and time to treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who were reviewed via our SHP was performed, including time to see and outcomes. The effects of implementing the SHP on our health system were assessed by analysing our referral waitlists and costings department. Results: On starting the SHP phone clinic there were 1031 referrals waiting longer than clinical recommended time frames, and of these 92 were identified as a patient with haematuria. The majority of patients were male sex (55%), had microscopic haematuria (63%), and the median age was 69 years. There were 12 (30%) patients who were waiting 100 days or more before the phone clinic was introduced. A total of 87% patients were discharged post-normal outcomes, 5% patients had stones and 8% patients were diagnosed with bladder malignancy. Conclusions: The SHP phone clinic is an effort to decrease morbidity and mortality by earlier diagnosis of urological malignancy. Level of evidence: 3-b