THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON NEUROLOGY OUTPATIENTS SERVICES AT WATFORD GENERAL HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT

Objectives The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the delivery of outpatient services, and spe-cialists have adjusted to maximise safety for both patients and clinicians. This study examined the impact of remote consultations on the management of neurology outpatients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method New neurology referrals to Watford General Hospital from August to September 2020 were reviewed. The type of appointment, telephone or face-to-face (F2F);investigations requested;and outcomes, discharge or follow-up, were analysed. Results Out of 288 total patients, 59% were triaged to telephone and 41% to face-to-face appoint-ments. Patients with headache (77%;n=78) or suspected seizures (77%;n=61) were more often triaged to telephone appointments. Only 13% and 6% respectively required subsequent review in F2F appoint-ments. Patients were more often triaged to F2F appointments if referred with visual disturbance (80%;n=5), movement disorders (73%;n=30) or weakness (71%;n=17). The discharge rate for telephone (54%) and F2F (53%) groups were similar. Conclusion This was a retrospective study of referrals to neurology outpatients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Results showed effective triaging with similar outcomes for telephone and F2F appointments. This data suggests that remote consultations are effective and could be helpful in managing patients after the Covid-19 pandemic.