Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
A spotlight has been placed upon virtual assessment of patients during the coronavirus pandemic. This has been particularly prevalent in the assessment of acute knee injuries. In this study we aim to assess the accuracy of telephone triage, confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of acute knee injuries.
Methods
Case records of patients triaged by telephone in the acute knee clinic at Leeds General Infirmary were analysed. Provisional diagnoses made following telephone triage were compared to radiological diagnoses made on subsequent MRI scans. Diagnostic accuracy was compared between those patients assessed virtually and those assessed in face-to-face clinics.
Results
1160 patients were referred to the acute knee injury clinic during the study period. 587 of these were triaged telephonically. MRI scans were requested for 107 (18%) virtually reviewed patients. Of these patients, 92 (79%) had an MRI scan requested after making a provisional diagnosis over the phone. Of the MRI requests made after virtual consultation, there was a 75% diagnostic accuracy of the pre-imaging diagnosis. Of the patients seen in face-to-face appointments, a diagnostic accuracy of 73% was observed
Conclusion
Virtual assessment can provide an efficient and cost-effective establishment of diagnosis of acute knee injuries whilst reducing hospital attendance. A combination of virtual and in-person clinics may allow quicker access to specialist opinion and therefore reduce patient waiting times.
