Under 40s one stop clinic run by breast surgeons who can do ultrasound helps manage capacity and reduces waiting time. A possible model for training of future breast surgeons

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast services are heavily dependent on radiology support for diagnostic tests. Breast ultrasound is the preferred imaging tool in the under 40s. The covid pandemic has resulted in a huge increase in waiting times for breast patients throughout the country. Additionally, there is a shortage of radiologists to support screening and breast services. Surgeons who are experienced in breast ultrasound are able to reduce the workload of radiologists and reduce waiting times. We present our results of one stop under 40s clinic by breast surgeons who do ultrasound and the impact it has had on waiting times within our unit. Method: Retrospective study of patients seen as part of the weekend waiting list initiative during May-July 2021. Clinics were built every weekend (Sat and Sun) in the absence of radiology support. Results: 899 patients of all ages were waiting to be seen in one stop clinics. A total of 11 under 40s one stop clinics were coordinated during this period when there was no radiology support. 197 patients were seen in these clinics by two surgeons proficient in performing ultrasound thereby reducing the waiting list by 22%. There are 8 consultant surgeons within our unit. Conclusion: The above study highlights the immense usefulness of ultrasound as a clinical adjunct to breast surgeons. Given the pressures that continue to occur in the light of the pandemic, it is imperative that our present generation of breast surgical trainees learn to perform ultrasound.