COVID-19 and the impact on urology service provision at Capital & Coast District Health Board

Abstract

Aim: To determine the impact on the Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) urology service of the implementation of nationwide healthcare restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This is an observational retrospective study over a 21 working day period during the implementation of National Hospital Response Framework Alert (NHRFA) level 2. We obtained patient data during this period and a corresponding control period prior to the pandemic. The data was focussed on the volume of operating theatre cases, outpatient consultations, procedural clinic appointments and the estimated avoided outpatient travel.

Results: Total urology admissions decreased by 27% during the 21-day NHRFA level 2 period. However, acute surgical procedures increased by 30% whereas elective surgical procedures decreased by 32%. Outpatient consultations overall decreased by 32% during NHRFA level 2 despite virtual phone consultations increasing by 274%. Procedural clinic appointments decreased by 85%. The virtual platform also saved each patient an estimated 22.7km of average travel.

Conclusion: The data demonstrate the effects of restrictions in response to a crisis and set a precedent for future management in such scenarios. The data also show how service efficiency can be optimised while providing an environmentally friendly alternative for routine clinical practice.