One-stop respiratory diagnostic service at OUH improving patient experience

A pilot project at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is reducing waiting times for patients, as well as the need for multiple hospital visits.

The breathlessness pathway is a one-stop diagnostic service for providing investigations, diagnosis, and management advice for breathlessness – all in one appointment.

Based at the Oxford Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Cowley, it is funded by the NHS England CDC pathway instigation programme and supported by BOB ICB. The CDC is an innovative development by OUH in partnership with Perspectum, offering diagnostic care outside of hospitals in community settings.

Eight primary care centres in Oxfordshire, focusing on areas of higher social deprivation, were selected for the pilot. GPs can refer patients to the service if they have suffered from breathlessness for more than eight weeks, and have an unclear diagnosis. 

The service offers a range of diagnostic tests, with patients and their tests reviewed on the same day - not only improving patient experience, but also reducing carbon emissions due to reduced journeys to multiple appointments, as well as reducing waiting times to see specialists. 

The service also has a physician and a physiotherapist, and also provides information on breathlessness generally as well as tobacco dependency advice.

In a recent report, the pathway received positive feedback from patients, including:
 
"Excellent in every way. All staff kind, respectful. Comprehensive explanations. No waiting, extremely efficient. Could not have been better!"

"I was impressed by the thoroughness of the investigations, the friendliness of staff, and, once some conclusions had been drawn, the amount of time spent explaining the results, possible conditions that I may have, and ways forward."
 
"Absolutely nothing could be improved. The staff were friendly, reassuring and very knowledgeable. The location was easy to find with ample parking and the various rooms were completely fit for purpose. Every part of the appointment happened on time in a smooth and efficient manner."
 
"This really feels like the way that diagnostics should be delivered and as a healthcare professional I was so impressed. Timely, efficient and thorough. It made such a difference to me and my diagnosis and recovery. I feel like this service should be replicated in other settings and for other services. Thank you."

Dr Emily Fraser, Respiratory Medicine Consultant at OUH, said: “We are proud of the significant difference this service has made in improving patient care. We are committed to supporting NHS England's wider goal of delivering diagnostic care within primary and secondary care, making healthcare more accessible, providing earlier diagnosis, and reducing health inequalities.

"It has only been possible because of the input of the whole team, including our excellent administrative and physiotherapy colleagues, alongside collaborative working with BOB ICB.

"Despite presenting with symptoms like breathlessness years beforehand, patients with respiratory diseases are often diagnosed at a late stage. Exacerbations of respiratory diseases can result in a high use of healthcare services, and are a common cause of acute hospital admission.

"Early diagnosis through easier access to clinical pathways is essential for preventing disease progression, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing health and social care costs.”

Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at OUH, said: "It is important that our teams find innovative solutions to make our services more efficient, and reduce patient waiting times – as well as improving overall patient experience.

"We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the breathlessness pathway, with rapid and early diagnosis which are essential for aiding successful treatment, as well as reducing our costs and carbon footprint. We are excited to see the further impact this service will have."

Pictured: Staff from the breathlessness pathway and Perspectum