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 evalua tion of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic over a 3-year period. Methods: Primary care physicians (PCP) were circulated details of the clinic, and i nvited to refer any patient presenting with colorectal or anorectal symptom s, 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 ail, 3,119 patients were referred, the main indications being rectal bl eeding (67%), abdominal pain (16%) and change in bower habit (15%). The ave rage time interval between PCP visit and specialist consultation was 2 days and neoplastic disease was detected in 7.1% of patients. 70% of patients w ith haemorrhoids and 39% of those with other minor diseases were discharged back to their PCPs after definitive treatment at the time of their visit t o 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 outpatie nt time and resources. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.