TU3.8 Advice and Guidance: an effective communication tool between primary and secondary care in the COVID era?

• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac248.032
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01T19:10:11Z
• Authors: Irina Radnaeva; Stephen Ward
• Keywords: Specialty; Pandemic; Advice (programming); Secondary care

Abstract Introduction Advice and Guidance is a digital communication tool that allows primary care physicians to seek advice from secondary clinicians prior or instead of direct referrals. Aims Our audit aims analyse the number e-referrals made General Surgery consultants at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham measure outcomes those conversations in order determine usefulness value given platform as well timescale replies. Methods We have retrospectively analysed all referrals via between July 2020 September 2021. The responses were categorised into 7 different outcomes, main ones being “outpatient clinic referral”, “further investigation required”, “advice specialty needed” on management only”. Time taken reply was also analysed. Results At total 2244 included this audit. 61% deferred outpatient for further review, 18% required investigations, 10% only 8% referred specialty. referral 5 days average. Conclusions an appropriate GPs Surgical set reduce unnecessary made. This turn reduces pressure already stretched system, especially ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.