613 Utilisation of Off-Site Theatre Capacity to Reduce the Waiting Time for NHS Patients with Chronic Deep Venous Disease in the Post Covid-19 Pandemic Environment

Aim This audit aimed to assess the adherence to treatment pathways and the transfer of electronic patient care records in a cohort of patients with deep venous disease who underwent procedures off-site due to extended waiting times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Between 1st February 2022 and 19th July 2022, 41 patients underwent deep venous procedures at an off-site facility. Retrospective data collection from electronic records, operation notes, imaging, and patient outcomes was conducted. Demographics, procedure types, adherence to pathways, image transfer, and patient outcomes were analysed. Results 41 patients (M:F - 16:25) were treated on a series of 17 lists aged between 24 to 79 years. Patients assigned for treatment off-site were highly selected for case simplicity. Procedures performed include diagnostic venograms, stenting, venoplasty, and varicose vein treatment. Stenting success was high (100% patent stents on discharge). No deaths occurred, with minimal complications and a few procedures needing to be rescheduled at the primary site. Image transfer to the parent site varied (87.5% electronic records, 50% imaging). The waiting list was reduced from 90 to 77 patients, inclusive of new additions during the study period. Conclusions Outsourcing theatre time effectively managed the backlog of patients with deep venous disease, offering a safe intervention approach. While there might be financial strain, the benefits in avoiding treatment delays and enhancing patient experience outweigh the potential costs. Overall, the audit supports the use of off-site procedures as a viable solution to address waiting time concerns during healthcare crises.