AIM: To investigate safety and efficiency of non-contact first specialist assessments (NCFSA) in neurology. METHODS: Out of a cohort of 1107 patients referred to a neurology clinic, a total of 222 (20%) was triaged into NCFSA and investigated with a 6 months observational study of safety and efficiency indicators. RESULTS: There were three (1.35%) adverse events (delay in diagnosis) recorded, one of which with actual detriment to the patient. After 6 months the rate of re-referrals was 11.26%, and inpatient admission rate 5.86%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential for NCFSAs to optimise the use of available resources in a neurology outpatient setting with low risk of delay in diagnosis.
AIM: To investigate safety and efficiency of non-contact first specialist assessments (NCFSA) in neurology. METHODS: Out of a cohort of 1107 patients referred to a neurology clinic, a total of 222 (20%) was triaged into NCFSA and investigated with a 6 months observational study of safety and efficiency indicators. RESULTS: There were three (1.35%) adverse events (delay in diagnosis) recorded, one of which with actual detriment to the patient. After 6 months the rate of re-referrals was 11.26%, and inpatient admission rate 5.86%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential for NCFSAs to optimise the use of available resources in a neurology outpatient setting with low risk of delay in diagnosis.