Virtual clinic for positive faecal occult blood tests enhances early access to bowel cancer screening and is well received by patients

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer‐related mortality in Australia. As such, timely access to colonoscopy following a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is an important aspect of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to reduce morbidity and mortality related to this condition. To reduce waiting times, a Sydney‐based referral centre introduced a nurse‐led virtual clinic (VC) in order to facilitate direct access colonoscopy for patients referred with a positive FOBT. Aims To evaluate the efficacy of a nurse‐led VC model to reduce waiting time to colonoscopy and to determine the patient experience of the model. Methods The VC model, piloted for a 14‐month period, was compared with the standard outpatient clinic (SOC) model over the 14‐month period preceding the VC. Primary outcomes included time to colonoscopy and secondary outcomes included adverse events, bowel preparation and cancellation rates. Patient experience was evaluated through an emailed survey. Results Compared to the SOC model, the VC model reduced waiting time to colonoscopy from date of positive FOBT by 71 days (P = 0.0006) and from date of referral by 66 days (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes. All respondents to the survey (n = 30) reported a positive experience. Conclusions Nursing‐led VC, with direct access colonoscopy for patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer, reduce waiting times to colonoscopy without an increase in adverse events and is well received by patients.