One Stop MDT Foot and Ankle Clinic: Our Experience and Results

Description

In this presentation, Parag Garg outlines the establishment and workings of the One Stop Foot and Ankle Clinic at Epsom St Heliers Hospital. He discusses the traditional patient flow from GP to orthopedic clinics, highlighting the delays caused by referrals and the need for multiple appointments (often taking 8 to 34 weeks) for treatments that could be provided in one visit. Parag introduces the clinic model launched on January 12, 2022, which collocates a range of specialists—including radiologists, physiotherapists, and orthopedic technicians—under one roof, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care on the same day, significantly improving their experience and reducing the overall treatment period.



The clinic saw positive outcomes, with patients reporting an increased likelihood of receiving necessary treatments and investigations on the same day, leading to a 12% increase in discharge and surgical rates. Feedback indicated overwhelming satisfaction, with 97% of patients favoring this streamlined process over traditional methods and noting the reduced anxiety associated with shorter waiting times and fewer visits. The initiative not only enhanced patient care but also proved to be cost-effective, saving the trust approximately £12,000 within the initial three months of operation while contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing paperwork and travel. Parag concludes by advocating that this model should be replicated in other clinics to better patient care, optimize resources, and improve overall healthcare delivery.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230100

Specialties