An audit of waiting times in a haematology clinic before and after the introduction of point-of-care testing

Haematology patients are frequent attenders at haematology clinics either as a result of their illness or their treatment. We identified that waiting times in the haematology clinic were an important quality indicator for patients within the haematology service. In this study we have surveyed 50 consecutive patients in order to establish maximum waiting times in the haematology clinic. We then prospectively audited waiting times against these standards. An evaluation of the introduction of an air-tube transport system for conveying samples to the laboratory combined with the electronic transfer of results back to the clinic in an attempt to reduce waiting times has been compared with the introduction of point-of-care testing in the clinic. Point-of-care testing was introduced by transporting our backup analyser from the haematology laboratory to the clinic on a weekly basis. The tests were performed by nurse specialists who were already in the clinic and had been trained in the use of the analyser. The patient survey resulted in the establishment of a maximum waiting time of 30 min with a longer term aim to reduce this to a maximum of 20 min. The introduction of an air-tube transport system linked to electronic transfer of results, despite repeated audits, could not achieve the waiting time standard. Once point-of-care testing had been introduced, the clinic waiting times consistently achieved the standard that had been set by patients.