Reducing surgical outpatient waiting is not the solution to meeting the 2005 colorectal cancer target

OBJECTIVES: The majority of colorectal cancers (CRC) are not diagnosed through the Rapid access route (RAR) and follow-ups (FU) may prolong outpatient-waiting time for new referrals. The aim of this study was to assess the relative contributions of an efficient colorectal clinic and a stringent colonoscopy booking system on the total journey time for CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reduced the number of follow-up appointments with the introduction of 'Paper clinics'. The composition of the new clinic was determined by the known cancer yield through RAR and non-RAR route. A prospective analysis of clinics and CRC journey times was undertaken from November 2003 for 13 months, with the new outpatient clinic template introduced in December 2003. This coincided with a stringent policy on referral pattern for colonoscopy. RESULTS: In our hospital, only 4% of RAR yield CRC. Seventy-five percent of our CRC are referred through the non-RAR route. Eighty-one percent of follow-ups in a 'paper clinic' were discharged. A flexible template for the outpatient clinics, introduced a corresponding reduction in follow-up and increased urgent and routine slots. There was a progressive drop in the follow-up to new ratio and the waiting times for routine and urgent category decreased from a median of 15.9 and 3.4 weeks to 6.7 and 0.7 weeks, respectively (P < 0.001). Average waiting times for all categories fell from 13.35 weeks in November 2003 to 3.5 weeks in December 2004, while the number of patients waiting less than 4 weeks rose from 46% to 71%. This was associated with reduction in total journey times from 93 days to 62 days (P < 0.05). DNA rates remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: Modifying outpatient clinic composition with 'paper clinics' reduces the waiting time for all referrals to a surgical clinic with a modest effect on CRC clinic waiting time. Reduction in the total waiting time to first treatment (for CRC) is due to reducing the demand on colonoscopy in favour of barium enema. Redirecting the flow of patients towards barium enema is perhaps one way of improving the existing CRC journey time to first treatment, within existing resources. Achieving the 62 day target for cancer journey time will be difficult unless traditional surgical clinic habits are challenged.     

Breast disease and the general surgeon. I. Referral of patients with breast problems.

OBJECTIVES--To determine the proportion of all new and follow-up patients referred to general surgical outpatient clinics with breast problems. To ascertain how long these patients wait for an appointment and how many require investigation or admission for operation. To review our management of patients with breast problems in the clinic and to determine the ratio of benign breast disease to malignancy. DESIGN--A 3-month prospective outpatient survey with patient details recorded on questionnaires completed by the medical staff. SETTING--The general surgical outpatient clinics of this firm at Battle Hospital, Reading, and Newbury District Hospital, Berkshire. PATIENTS--Those patients attending the above clinics during the 3-month period 1 October to 31 December 1989. RESULTS--In all, 693 new patients and 554 follow-up patients were seen. Of the new patients, 119, and of the follow-up patients 140 were seen for a breast complaint. At Battle Hospital 16% of all new patients presented with a breast problem, while at Newbury Hospital the figure was 24%. Of the follow-up patients at Battle Hospital, 23% were seen for a breast problem, and 41% at Newbury. The overall median waiting time for a new outpatient appointment was 21 days. No investigations were needed in 22% of the patients. The remaining 93 patients had investigations and a total of 70 mammograms and 53 fine needle aspirations for cytology were performed. The mean cost of investigations per patient investigated was estimated at 27 pounds. Of new patients, 58% were discharged from the clinic after a single consultation, and investigations as necessary. In 79% of the patients admitted for an operation, the decision to admit was made on the basis of the initial history and examination alone. Of new patients, 84% did not need admission and were managed in the clinic. In all, 14 breast carcinomas were diagnosed--12% of new patients with breast problems. CONCLUSIONS--The figures suggest that 24% of new patients and 41% of follow-up patients attending a general surgical clinic are seen for a breast problem. The waiting time for new appointments is unacceptably long. Most new patients do not require admission for an operation. Only 12% of new patients referred with a breast problem were found to have a carcinoma.     

One-stop diagnosis for symptomatic breast disease.

A consultant-led one-stop diagnostic service has been available at a busy symptomatic breast clinic each week at St Bartholomew's Hospital for 18 months. Women can be investigated appropriately using mammography, ultrasonography and cytology with immediate reporting. The aim is to achieve a diagnosis and management plan for each patient at the initial outpatient visit. A prospective audit of four consecutive clinics was undertaken to assess the impact of this service on clinical practice. Fifty patients out of 134 new and 386 follow-up clinic attenders had one-stop investigations. As a result of immediate reporting, 48 (96%) patients had a management decision made at the first outpatient visit, 9 (18%) were offered surgery, and 18 (36%) were discharged with a benign diagnosis and no dominant mass. Four symptomatic cancers were detected and evaluated on a one-stop basis, constituting 8% of the workload of this clinic. The mean wait from designated appointment until surgical consultation was 37.7 min (range -68-171 min) and that for investigation until subsequent clinical review was 56.9 min (range -4-191 min). Thirty-six (72%) one-stop patients had a total wait of less than 2 h and 95% were seen in under 3 h. It is felt that the one-stop clinic allows optimum patient management, minimises anxiety associated with symptomatic breast disease, and maximises utilisation of hospital outpatient resources.     

Overcoming Inequity in Access to Kidney Transplantation: A Quality Improvement Project

BackgroundIn 2018, DaVita dialysis clinics in Poland introduced a new pathway to improve the referral of dialysis patients for kidney transplantation. It was designed to meet formal requirements for timely referral for transplant assessment and measures to have the patient “active” on the waiting list. The pathway aimed to mitigate the existing inequitable access to transplantation surgery for patients with end stage kidney disease under the care of ambulatory dialysis clinics.The consequences to the patient of lack of contact with nephrologist when called in for transplant surgery during out-of-office hours was a major concern. We reviewed the effectiveness of whether the new procedure impacted facilitating a patient's call for a transplant surgery when dialysis clinics were not operating.MethodsWe collected data on the number of transplantations performed and the number of calls for surgery according to a conventional or new procedure over a 30-month period.ResultsIn our study, 269 patients received a deceased donor kidney transplant, and 205 candidates (75%) were called for transplantation during the working hours of dialysis clinics, according to the standard procedure, of which 4 patients were discharged for various reasons. In addition, 69 candidates (25%) were called outside clinic working hours through the new procedure process, of which 1 patient was discharged during a phone call due to infection.ConclusionsDaVita's Poland new transplant access procedure effectively supports a patient's call for transplantation during outpatient dialysis clinics' closure hours.     

How is follow-up after transurethral prostatectomy best performed?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the nurse practitioner (NP) in screening patients for potential discharge after routine transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) or bladder neck incision (BNI) where, although urologists continue to follow such patients, the trend is away from clinic attendance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The NP telephoned 70 patients 4 weeks after surgery; information about expected postoperative problems, change in symptoms and the need to visit their general practitioner (GP) was recorded. A doctor then saw all the patients in a clinic 3 months after TURP or BNI. RESULTS: Complete records were available for 66 patients (TURP 56, BNI 10). Four weeks after their operation, 39 (59%) patients still had one or more significant symptoms but only nine (23%) had consulted their GP. After a telephone interview the NP considered that 38 of the 66 patients were fit to be discharged. At the 3-month outpatient appointment, 37 of these 38 patients were subsequently discharged. Of the remaining 29 patients, 15 (seven with carcinoma of the prostate and eight with significant symptoms) were given follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of significant symptoms in 12% of patients 3 months after TURP justifies the follow-up of all patients. A telephone interview by the NP at one month is recommended. This could result in safe discharge of more than half the patients and allow follow-up of those who need specialist input.     

Breast disease and the general surgeon. II. Effect of audit on the referral of patients with breast problems.

OBJECTIVES--To determine the number of patients with breast problems referred to general surgical clinics in a district general hospital and to assess the effect of changes implemented following the previous study on waiting time, investigations performed, and management of the patients. DESIGN--Two prospective outpatient audits with patient details recorded on questionnaires by the medical staff. SETTING--The general surgical outpatient clinics of a single general surgical firm at Newbury District Hospital, Berkshire. PATIENTS--Those patients attending the above clinics during two 3-month periods, 1 October to 31 December 1989 (Study 1), and 16 April to 19 July 1990 (Study 2). RESULTS--Of new referrals, 25% were for a breast problem. The waiting time fell from a median of 22 days in Study 1 to 10 days in Study 2. There was no significant difference between the studies for the proportion of each type of investigation performed. Between 80% and 85% of new patients did not need admission for an operation; however, of those operations performed, 65% were for carcinoma. The number of patients diagnosed as having carcinoma was the same in the two studies. CONCLUSIONS--That 25% of new, and up to 40% of follow-up patients seen in a general surgical clinic have breast problems. Many patients do not regard their symptoms as worrying and will not attend early clinic appointments even if these are offered. Writing to patients and general practitioners with the results of investigations ensures quicker receipt of the diagnosis and treatment plan, and reduces follow-up attendance. Only 15-20% of new patients need admission for an operation, and carcinoma is found in only 13-17%. Open access to the clinics does not result in general practitioners referring patients unnecessarily with breast problems.     

Travel distance, age, and sex as factors in follow-up visit compliance in the post-gastric bypass population

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the optimal rate of follow-up in the post-bariatric surgery patient population. METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2001 to 2003 were reviewed. Using patient zip codes, travel distances were calculated between the patients' places of residence and our clinic. Patients were then assigned to 1 of 3 cohorts according to the following distances: (1) < 50 miles, (2) 50 to 100 miles, and (3) > 100 miles. Patient compliance with follow-up appointments at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months was analyzed. Linear trends were identified using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Age and sex were analyzed as possible predictors of compliance using the chi(2) test. P values < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study group comprised 150 patients (127 females and 23 males). The 3 cohorts contained 115, 21, and 14 patients, respectively. All patients in each cohort were compliant with the 3-week follow-up appointment. Although there were differences in compliance between cohorts at each of the remaining appointments, only the 9-month (70.3% vs 61.9% vs 35.7%) visit showed statistical significance (P = .035). The 6-month visit trended toward significance (85.2% vs 76.2% vs 64.3%; P = .088). Males were more likely to be compliant with the 12-month follow-up (P = .040). When controlling for sex, travel distance was also a predictor of compliance at this follow-up visit (P = .024). Age was not predictive of compliance (P = .827). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we conclude that travel distance from the clinic does not significantly affect compliance at the initial follow-up, 3-month, and 12-month appointments. However, distance does tend to affect compliance at the 6-month appointment and significantly affects compliance at the 9-month appointment. Males are more likely to be compliant at the 12 month follow-up visit. We must continue to strive for 100% follow-up in our post-bariatric surgery patients.     

A novel surgical technique to localize small enteropouch fistula

Background

Prostate cancer follow up forms a substantial part of the urology outpatient workload. Nurse led prostate cancer follow up clinics are becoming more common. Routine follow-up may involve performing DRE, which may require training.

Objectives

The aim of this audit was to assess the factors that influenced the change in the management of prostate cancer patients during follow up. This would allow us to pave the way towards a protocol driven follow up clinic led by nurse specialists without formal training in DRE.

Results

194 prostate cancer patients were seen over a period of two months and all the patients had DRE performed on at least one occasion. The management was changed in 47 patients. The most common factor influencing this change was PSA trend. A change in DRE findings influenced advancement of the clinic visit in 2 patients.

Conclusions

PSA is the most common factor influencing change in the management of these patients. Nurse specialists can run prostate cancer follow-up clinics in parallel to existing consultant clinics and reserve DRE only for those patients who have a PSA change or have onset of new symptoms. However larger studies are required involving all the subgroups of patients to identify the subgroups of patients who will require DRE routinely.     

Nurse led flexible sigmoidoscopy in primary care – the first thousand patients

OBJECTIVES: Secondary care Trusts have traditionally been providers of flexible sigmoidoscopy services in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to establish a Nurse-led flexible sigmoidoscopy clinic that would provide a patient orientated service in a primary care setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A protocol driven flexible sigmoidoscopy clinic was established in a primary care setting. The first thousand patients who underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy at the community clinic were prospectively studied. RESULTS: A nurse endoscopist performed 1002 procedures on 1000 patients. Median time from referral to flexible sigmoidoscopy was 35 days (Range 1-180 days). Two hundred and twenty-two (22%) patients were diagnosed with significant colonic pathology including 25 (2.5%) patients with colorectal cancer. Median time from referral to histological diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 26 days (range 7-87 days). No complications were encountered. Patients who required further follow-up were referred to a Consultant led (29%) or Nurse led clinic (5%) in secondary care. Patient satisfaction as assessed by postal questionnaire indicated that 447 (99%) patients were satisfied with the service. CONCLUSIONS: A community endoscopy clinic can provide a safe and effective flexible sigmoidoscopy service with high levels of patient satisfaction. Nurse Endoscopists can extend their role in primary care with adequate training and support from secondary care hospitals.     

Views of UK melanoma patients on routine follow-up care.

Although the need for melanoma follow-up is universally accepted, there is still much debate on the duration and frequency of appointments. The UK guidelines were revised in June 2002 to streamline melanoma follow-up. Following the change in protocol, some of our patients expressed concern at the shorter duration of follow-up. We therefore polled all our active melanoma patients to obtain their views on the outpatient clinics. In particular we asked whether they would be happy to have routine follow-up in a primary care setting. In conjunction with the department of psychology, a short questionnaire was devised assessing patient satisfaction and concerns about follow-up. This was sent to all active melanoma patients in our trust. Out of 304 eligible patients currently attending outpatients, 231 (76%) completed replies were received. Ninety-eight percent of respondents found the clinics to be useful. Twenty two and a half percent felt it was difficult to attend the clinic and this was mainly due to logistical problems, i.e. hospital car parking. The majority were reassured by the clinic visits and felt it was a chance to ask questions and check for new disease. Of the 12% of respondents who had a recurrence, 52% indicated that they had detected it themselves. Sixty percent of patients would be happy to consider routine follow-up with their GP, provided they were suitably experienced and trained. A survey of 50 local GP's found that 70% would be unhappy to monitor their patients. Patients want and benefit from follow-up. However, they are an increasing burden on outpatient clinics, given the increasing incidence of melanoma. GP follow-up may be appropriate for a small subgroup of patients. This combined with shared care and practice based clinical nurse specialists may be the way forward in melanoma follow-up.     

A national survey of intensive care follow-up clinics

Intensive care follow-up clinics allow extended review of survivors of critical illness. However, the current provision of intensive care follow-up clinics in the UK is unknown. We performed a survey of intensive care follow-up clinic practice in the UK. A questionnaire was sent to 298 intensive care units in the UK to determine the number of follow-up clinics and details of current follow-up practice. Responses were received from 266 intensive care units, an 89% response rate. Eighty units (30%) ran a follow-up clinic. Only 47 (59%) of these clinics were funded. Of those intensive care units without a follow-up clinic, 158 (88%) cited 'financial constraints' as the reason. Over half of the follow-up clinics (44 clinics, 55%) were nurse-led, and the majority (56 clinics, 77%) only routinely review patients treated on the intensive care unit for 3 or 4 days or longer. Nearly half of the follow-up clinics (39 clinics, 49%) have pre-negotiated access to at least one other out-patient service.     

Telephone Follow-Up by a Midlevel Provider After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Instead of Face-to-Face Clinic Visit

Methods:This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients who prospectively agreed to undergo telephone follow-up after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair instead of standard face-to-face clinic visits. Patients received a telephone call from a dedicated physician assistant 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and answered a predetermined questionnaire. A face-to-face clinic visit was scheduled based on the results of the call or on patient request.Results:Of 62 patients who underwent surgery, all agreed to telephone follow-up instead of face-to-face clinic visits. Their mean round-trip distance to the hospital was 122 miles. Fifty-five patients (88.7%) successfully completed planned telephone follow-up. Three patients (4.8%) were lost to follow-up, and 4 (6.5%) were erroneously scheduled for a clinic appointment. Of the 55 patients who were reached by telephone, 50 (90.9%) were satisfied and declined an in-person clinic visit. Five patients (9.1%) returned for a clinic appointment based on concerns raised during the telephone call. Of these, 1 was found to have an early hernia recurrence and 1 had a seroma.Conclusion:Telephone follow-up by a midlevel provider after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is feasible and effective and is well received by patients.     

Follow-up confirms sustained benefit of circumferential stapled anoplasty in the management of prolapsing haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Circumferential stapled anoplasty is gaining popularity as a safe and effective treatment in the surgical management of haemorrhoids and mucosal prolapse. However, little is known about the medium- and long-term durability of this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of stapled anoplasty in maintaining symptom remission and to identify possible procedure-related adverse effects. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 85 stapled anoplasties in 83 patients, 64 patients were eligible for 6-month review; 50 patients were seen in surgical outpatient clinics and seven were contacted by telephone. All patients attending the outpatient clinic were questioned about current symptoms and overall satisfaction with the procedure. The staple line was palpated digitally and inspected at proctoscopy. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) symptom scores were 6 (5--8) before operation compared with 0 (0--1) at 6 months (P < 0.01). There was no deterioration in symptoms between 6-week and 6-month follow-up. No recurrences and no procedure-related adverse effects, in particular impaired continence or persistent anal pain, were identified. CONCLUSION: The initial promising results of circumferential stapled anoplasty in effectively treating haemorrhoidal symptoms appear to be sustained at 6-month follow-up.     

Three-year evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Evolving surgical practice has placed increasing pressures on surgical outpatient clinics. This article provides a prospective evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic over a 3-year period. METHODS: Primary care physicians (PCP) were circulated details of the clinic, and invited to refer any patient presenting with colorectal or anorectal symptoms, or with a family history of bowel cancer wishing advice about screening. Data were collected prospectively and patients and the referring PCPs were invited to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 3,119 patients were referred, the main indications being rectal bleeding (67%), abdominal pain (16%) and change in bowel habit (15%). The average time interval between PCP visit and specialist consultation was 2 days and neoplastic disease was detected in 7.1% of patients. 70% of patients with haemorrhoids and 39% of those with other minor diseases were discharged back to their PCPs after definitive treatment at the time of their visit to the clinic. The majority of PCPs and patients expressed satisfaction with the service as evidenced by the returned questionnaires. CONCLUSION: These data show that a more universal implementation of such clinics may result in improved care of colorectal disease and considerable savings of outpatient time and resources.     

Chronic scrotal pain. a study of its causes and management

Chronic scrotal pain is a common complaint that always causes anxiety to the patient, frequently causes diagnostic difficulties to the general practitioner and usually results in prolonged follow-up in surgical clinics. Careful examination in a urological clinic and ultrasound study in all patients reveals a firm diagnosis in 60%, and the other patients can be reassured and discharged from surgical follow-up, although 19% of them will remain symptomatic.     

Evaluating the patient experience of an emergency burns assessment service in a UK burn unit using a service user evaluation questionnaire and process mapping

An evaluation of the patient experience, from referral to first assessment, at an outpatient emergency burns assessment service in a UK burn unit. All patients attending their first appointment were invited to complete a questionnaire, covering patient expectations following referral, their journey to the hospital and an evaluation of the appointment. Process mapping was used to map the patient journey within the department and identify functional bottlenecks and waits.35 new patients completed the questionnaire over a four-week period in February 2019. 70% of respondents had received no printed information about their condition or the hospital prior to the appointment and 28% of patients did not know what to expect from attending the clinic. Patients incurred high direct and indirect costs in order to attend their appointments. 86% patients felt more confident about looking after their injury following their appointment. The patient journey through the clinic was observed for 19 patients; four functional bottlenecks were identified. The longest waits were for clinical photography and completion of nursing paperwork.A multimodal approach to this quality improvement project has enabled the service to identify process bottlenecks and through consultation with stakeholders, develop staff training and patient information to improve the service.     

Patient predictors of follow-up care attendance in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients

BackgroundMultidisciplinary care after bariatric surgery is important for long-term safety and optimal weight loss, yet many patients do not attend follow-up appointments. We sought to identify demographic, psychosocial, and weight-related variables that were associated with medical and behavioral health appointment attendance after bariatric surgery.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted with consecutive patients (n=538) obtaining first-time Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery between August 2009 and August 2010. Demographic and psychosocial data were compared between high (>50%) and low (≤50%) medical appointment attendees and high (>50%) and low (≤50%) behavioral health group attendees in their first postoperative year. Percentage excess weight loss at 6 months after surgery was evaluated as a predictor of 12-month appointment attendance.ResultsHigh medical appointment attendees were more likely to be older, be Caucasian, and have lower phobic anxiety than low medical appointment attendees. High behavioral health attendees had shorter travel distance to the clinic and lower levels of hostility, anxiety, and phobic anxiety compared with low attendees. In multivariate analyses, race/ethnicity and phobic anxiety remained significant predictors of medical attendance, while travel distance to clinic predicted behavioral health attendance. Six-month percent excess weight loss predicted medical appointment attendance at 12 months.ConclusionThe identified predictors of poor attendance at medical and behavioral bariatric surgery follow-up appointments should inform efforts to increase follow-up and improve surgical outcomes.     

A randomised controlled crossover trial of nurse practitioner versus doctor led outpatient care in a bronchiectasis clinic

BACKGROUND: With the decrease in junior doctor hours, the advent of specialist registrars, and the availability of highly trained and experienced nursing personnel, the service needs of patients with chronic respiratory diseases attending routine outpatient clinics may be better provided by appropriately trained nurse practitioners. METHODS: A randomised controlled crossover trial was used to compare nurse practitioner led care with doctor led care in a bronchiectasis outpatient clinic. Eighty patients were recruited and randomised to receive 1 year of nurse led care and 1 year of doctor led care in random order. Patients were followed up for 2 years to ensure patient safety and acceptability and to assess differences in lung function. Outcome measures were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), 12 minute walk test, health related quality of life, and resource use. RESULTS: The mean difference in FEV(1) was 0.2% predicted (95% confidence interval -1.6 to 2.0%, p=0.83). There were no significant differences in the other clinical or health related quality of life measures. Nurse led care resulted in significantly increased resource use compared with doctor led care (mean difference pound 1497, 95% confidence interval pound 688 to pound 2674, p<0.001), a large part of which resulted from the number and duration of hospital admissions. The mean difference in resource use was greater in the first year ( pound 2625) than in the second year ( pound 411). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse practitioner led care for stable patients within a chronic chest clinic is safe and is as effective as doctor led care, but may use more resources.     

Referral prioritization at the specialist breast clinic

Aim: The workload of specialist breast clinics is ever increasing and long waiting time is expected. Clinical guidelines were employed to sort out the priority of consultation. The effectiveness of this system is reviewed. Methods: All referrals seen at the specialist breast clinic from January 2002 to March 2002 were retrospectively studied. The guidelines for allocation to urgent appointment included – (1) urgent referral as determined by referring physician; (2) referral not labelled as urgent but certain ‘high risk’ criteria were present: age more than 50, lump bigger than 3 cm, bloody nipple discharge and physical signs suggestive of malignancy like irregular or fixed breast lump. Routine appointment was given if these criteria were not met. Patients with imaging and cytology results available before specialist consultation were given appointment with reference to the investigation result and excluded from the present analysis. Outcome of the patients in each category was assessed. Results: 165 referrals were analysed and 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean waiting time for urgent and routine appointments were 2 weeks and 20 weeks, respectively. There were 52 urgent referrals and eight (15.4%) cancers were diagnosed compared to six cancers (5.3%) diagnosed in the 113 non‐urgent referrals. Forty‐two patients among these 113 patients were given urgent appointment due to the presence of high‐risk criteria and as a result, all the six patients with cancers were allocated to urgent appointments. None of the patients given routine appointment had breast cancer diagnosed. Conclusion: It was reassuring that no cancer was diagnosed in patients who had been allocated to routine appointment. In addition to the clinical assessment by the referring physicians, certain ‘high‐risk’ criteria serve as useful guides in assigning the urgency of specialist consultation.