One stop neck lump clinic: a boon for quick diagnosis and early management.

INTRODUCTION

One-stop neck lump clinics (OSNLC) are gaining popularity worldwide especially in the UK hospitals following NICE recommendation. The main aim of this speciality clinic is a quick diagnosis and early management while simultaneously improving patient experience.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and compare the efficacy of OSNLC and general ENT/Head and neck clinic with specifics to a number of appointments required for formulating management plan and a number of 'one stop' visits.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study SETTING: Regional Head and Neck Cancer Center (Secondary care hospital) PARTICIPANTS: Patients referred by General practitioner with symptoms of a neck lump MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients seen in general ENT/Head and neck and OSNLC in 2 phases to understand the difference in a number of appointments, one-stop visits, the requirement of Ultrasound and efficiency of Fine needle aspiration.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Improved efficacy of OSNLC was noted as patients seen in the clinic required a lesser number of appointments, reached a faster diagnosis and management plan when compared to patients seen in general ENT clinic.