NHS trusts are piloting online specialist assessments, as an innovative way to tackle waiting list backlogs and improve patient convenience and accessibility. Patients complete standardised questions online, leading to quicker diagnoses and significantly reduced waiting times with information reviewed by consultants. Early use has seen significant benefits and future potential.

Earlier interventions. Improved care

Data from Buckinghamshire NHS Trust reveals more than 95% dermatology cases can be managed from the information and photographs provided by the patient and are typically reviewed within 72 hours. This is versus a typical dermatology waiting list of over three months, and over 30,000 patients waiting 12 months or longer*.  Patients receive consistent, high-quality care, and risks from human error are negated by standardised questions. A further benefit is the early detection of cancer potentially saving thousands of lives annually. Up to 6% of dermatology patients reviewed from the routine waiting list had potentially undiagnosed cancer.

With any online healthcare solution, accessibility concerns will emerge, particularly for patients with lower digital proficiency. However, well designed, accessible platforms enable high proportions of  patients to engage with online assessments, confirming  the potential for widespread adoption.

Efficiency benefits

This approach releases consultant capacity by reducing appointments and shortening the length of consultations that do happen by 50%.

In pilots, only half of patients require consultant follow up, either virtually or face-to-face, which reduces waiting list numbers and unnecessary investigations, and anxiety for patients. The remainder are provided with advice and guidance, discharged back to their GP or prescribed medication. Despite initial concerns, the quality of photographs provided by patients on a smartphone has been sufficient to support clinical decision making.

Furthermore, environmental benefits include reduced plastic from less PPE and C02 reductions from increased virtual appointments.

Game changing potential

In a wider context, specialist online assessments have transformative potential across many healthcare specialisms. They offer a cost-effective solution to the UK’s real time challenges, reducing waiting times and improving patient outcomes without expensive investment in technology or retraining. A wholesale implementation could yield substantial cost savings and improve patient satisfaction, whilst making healthcare more accessible and convenient.

Source: *https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/rtt-data-2023-24/  Data as at January 2024.