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- Talk
- 23/09/2021
- UK
Service Development in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic: Setting up the Aberdeen Virtual Hand Service
Description
In this presentation, Katharine Hamlin discusses the revamp of the hand service at Aberdeen, attributing the project's inspiration to mentor Jane McEachan. The focus is on the establishment of a Virtual Hand Clinic, which utilizes virtual vetting to streamline patient referrals and appointments. Hamlin explains that patients can access information about their conditions through a website, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their care without the necessity for immediate face-to-face consultations. The initiative aims to quickly vet patients and provide them with essential information while also reducing the burden on GP appointments for ongoing conditions.
Over 19 weeks, the virtual pathway has reduced the number of initial in-person appointments by 15%, demonstrating the efficiency of the new model. However, Hamlin acknowledges potential pitfalls, such as patients discovering delays in the waiting list. She reassures the audience that patient safety is a priority, noting Jane McEachan's successful track record of zero complaints over 12 years in Fife, with no missed serious diagnoses reported.
The presentation concludes with a focus on collaboration across various units in Scotland to ensure consistent patient messaging, reinforcing the project's scalability and potential future improvements.