Find out more about FIT at www.faecal-immunochemical-test.co.uk 3 Bespoke Patient Packs Facilitating Remote Patient Sampling When the COVID-19 pandemic brought endoscopy services to a stand-still, diagnosis and treatment pathways for suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) were presented with a host of new challenges. With only urgent and essential procedures to be performed, it was vital to ensure individuals on waiting lists were triaged appropriately, and those in the most urgent need of assessment, were prioritised. Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) posed a valuable resource for this new pathway and has been widely implemented for triaging in secondary care. This, however, is only part of the problem in terms of diagnosing CRC quickly. Face-to Face GP Appointments Decreased by 30% During the start of the pandemic, individuals were less likely to visit their GP. NHS Digital (2020) reported face-to-face GP appointments decreased by 30% in May 2020, compared to the same time last year. This is a staggering number of people who may be choosing not to visit their GP, as the fear of COVID-19 outweighs the fear of the cause behind their symptoms. Phone Consultations Increase Fortunately, phone-consultations increased from 14% of all appointments in February 2020, to 48% in May 2020. Phoneconsultation, although safer in terms of reducing possible exposure to COVID-19, still presents a challenge in terms of collecting samples from patients, or performing physical examinations (for example, a digital rectal exam (DRE)). To facilitate this change in GP appointment access, FIT has evolved. FIT Patient Packs Patient Packs have been in use by many trusts for some time, for the referral of patients from Primary Care. Patient Packs are bespoke sampling kits that the GP or hospital can send directly to patients. They enable the sample for the FIT test to be taken at home, and returned either via the post to the laboratory, or to the GP office. The packs reduce the amount of face-to-face contact: helping to keep people safe during the pandemic. The bespoke instruction leaflets direct the patient through their pathway: how to take the test, advice on collecting their sample, and instructions on how to return the completed kit. By rolling out the Patient Packs into both primary and secondary care, FIT has been instrumental in reducing endoscopy waiting lists by increasing patient access. The packs can be customised for secondary care, primary care, Vague Symptoms Pathways (VSPs), or Rapid Diagnostics Centres (RDCs) – making sure the pack guides the patient accurately on their pathway and outlining what they can expect in terms of follow-up. Communication with patients is key for continued compliance: the packs can be used to help guide patients on safety netting services, highlight what other diagnostic services are currently offered, or what to do if they remain concerned following their test result. A well-structured, patient-centric approach is key to maximising the benefits of FIT in these difficult times. If you would like additional information on Patient Packs, or to discuss how the Packs can improve your service, please contact us. References NHS Digital (2020) “Appointments in General Practice May 2020” Appointments in General Practice. [online] Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/ data-and-information/publications/statistical/ appointments-in-general-practice/may-2020 (Accessed 03 August 2020) H g Name Date of Sample 999123 80101274 2021.12.31 M / F Amy Sample Date of Sampling (DD/MM/YYYY) / / NAME Mr Ms Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) / / 25 07 1957 20 04 2018 Amy Sample H g Name Date of Sample 999123 80101274 2021.12.31 M / F Amy Sample H g Name Date of Sample 999123 80101274 2021.12.31 M / F Amy Sample H g Name Date of Sample 999123 80101274 2021.12.31 M / F Amy Sample H g999123 2021.12.31 Name Date of Sample 2021.12.31 Name Date of Sample Name Date of Sample Date of Sample 80101274 Date of Sample 80101274 Amy Sample Amy Sample M / Date of Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample M / Amy Sample M / Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample M / M / F Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample Amy Sample
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