P30 An analysis of wait times for bronchoscopy referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care centre

ABSTRACT

P30 Table 1December 2019-February 2020March – May 2020June – mid August 2020Number of procedures (n) Total257128147 FB1364758 EBUS1218189Mean wait (days) Total8.178.237.40FB6.767.946.83EBUS9.099.428.17DiscussionThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the total numbers of FB and EBUS procedures performed but did not result in a significant increase in waiting time for procedure. The prioritization of cancer services over alternative indications for bronchoscopies is the most likely explanation for this difference in numbers performed. The patient-related consequences of these changed diagnostic pathways is unclear. The introduction of mandatory COVID-19 swabbing on the 29th April did not lead to significant delays.Our review demonstrates that it is possible to maintain rapid-access bronchoscopy services in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.