TBA (22W144)

Gastroenterology Active Triage (GAT) Clinic, CHI at Tallaght

Author(s)

E. O’Toole, C. Barry, N. Brosnan, C. Marmion, S. Mustafa, S. Quinn

Department(s)/Institutions

Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Children’s Health Ireland at Tallaght, Dublin

Introduction

The GAT clinic, an innovative new virtual triage clinic, has reduced New Referral wait times for Paediatric Gastroenterology from eighteen months to under three weeks. GAT initially provided virtual management of new urgent referrals but has progressed to Routine Referrals. GAT is operated by a CNM 2, a Senior Dietician and the Clinical Lead is Dr Shoana Quinn.

Aims/Background

1. Triage of all New Referrals within three weeks, reduction in wait times for all referral categories by October 2022 2. Double wait periods are avoided: IBD, EOE, CD etc. prioritised direct to endoscopy 3. Increased patient & family satisfaction

Method

A Process Map, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and condition specific questionnaires were designed and piloted using Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles. Consultant weekly triage of the referrals with, dietetic, CNM 2 and clerical support streamlines referrals into potential IBD/EOE/CD/Other conditions. The CNM 2 and dietitian take a detailed history, and order appropriate predetermined investigations. Clinical outcomes are decided by the Consultant based on the history and results at the weekly GAT clinic. Clinic codes capture each step of the patient journey and enable Med Modus to record detailed data.

Results

GAT Data in its first year: 25/03/21-25/03/22 285 patients triaged 18% Direct to endoscopy 33% OPD 23% active- results awaited 26% discharged from GAT directly following testing and intensive education -IBS, Rumination, Coeliac Disease

Conclusions

 Sustainability (Funding to continue GAT)  Spread (Format is easily replicable in other services)  Qualitative data (Parent satisfaction survey in progress)