MTP4.02 Could we utilise ‘one stop shop’ clinics to help ensure our cancer patients meet endoscopy waiting targets?

Introduction With diagnostic endoscopy waiting lists reaching over 25,000 in Wales in 2024, alternative solutions are needed to ensure urgent suspected cancer (USC) referrals meet waiting targets. One stop shop (OSS) colorectal clinics with single-use endoscopes (SUE) for low-risk patients could help endoscopy departments prioritise USC referrals. Our aim was to assess the potential impact and feasibility of using single use endoscopes in an OSS clinic based on current flexible sigmoidoscopies (FS) performed in a single health board. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on all FS performed in a single health board over 1 month (January 2023). Data from endoscopy lists and Welsh Clinical Portal were analysed to estimate SUE-eligible cases. Results A total of 194 patients underwent a FS in January 2023. As the audit was focused on patients eligible for a SUE in an outpatient setting, 52 cases were excluded, leaving 142 cases for analysis. Of these, 68 (48%) of FS were urgent, 57 (40%) USC, 15 (11%) Routine and 2 (1%) surveillance. The most common reason for referral was for rectal bleeding n=68 (48%). Regarding sedation, 122 patients (86%) had no sedation (n=90) or Entonox only (n=32). Phosphate enema was used in 126 (89%) of cases. Discussion 114 (80%) of FS patients required neither IV sedation nor oral bowel preparation – Key factors in the feasibility of SUE in an OSS clinic. The adoption of SUE could redirect low-risk patients through OSS clinics rather than endoscopy waiting lists, offering a practical solution to address rising endoscopy demands.