The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of the Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinic

Abstract

Abstract Background The Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinic (RALC) experienced fewer referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Aims Our aim was to determine the impact of the pandemic on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the Cork University Hospital (CUH) RALC, using a retrospective chart review of the referrals and attendances. Methods The medical charts of patients referred to CUH-RALC from 03/2019 to 02/2020 (period I), and from 03/2020 to 02/2021 (period II) were reviewed. Performance of the RALC was determined based on average wait time from referral to 1] acquisition of the first CT scan, 2] consultation, and 3] receiving a cancer diagnosis, and compared between periods I and II. Results Average monthly referrals (57.3 vs 42.1, p = 0.0078) and RALC reviews (24.3 vs 22, p = 0.0310) were lower in period II compared to period I. However, no difference was seen in the length of time from referral to review at RALC or time to receive cancer diagnosis. There were shorter wait times from referral to CT scan (11.2 vs. 8.7 days, p = 0.0011) and to surgery (109.0 vs 79.3 days, p = 0.0236) in period II. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on the performance of RALC at our institution. Fewer referrals to RALC in period II may relate to hesitancy in attending general practitioner (GP) and/or GPs raising the thresholds for referrals to RALC during the early lockdown period of the pandemic. A national evaluation will be required to fully determine the impact of this pandemic on lung cancer in Ireland.