scholarly journals Time to Endoscopy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of Wait-Times

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renée M. Janssen ◽  
Oliver Takach ◽  
Estello Nap-Hill ◽  
Robert A. Enns
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Office Visit ◽  
Distant Metastases ◽  
Endoscopic Examination ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Current Guidelines

Objective. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Wait Time Consensus Group recommends that patients with symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) should have an endoscopic examination within 2 months. However, in a recent survey of Canadian gastroenterologists, wait-times for endoscopy were considerably longer than the current guidelines recommend. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wait-times for colonoscopy in patients who were subsequently found to have CRC through the Division of Gastroenterology at St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH).Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of outpatients seen for consultation and endoscopy ultimately diagnosed with CRC. Subjects were identified through the SPH pathology database for the inclusion period 2010 through 2013. Data collected included wait-times, subject characteristics, cancer characteristics, and outcomes.Results. 246 subjects met inclusion criteria for this study. The mean wait-time from primary care referral to first office visit was 63 days; the mean wait-time to first endoscopy was 94 days. Patients with symptoms waited a mean of 86 days to first endoscopy, considerably longer than the national recommended guideline of 60 days. There was no apparent effect of length of wait-time on node positivity or presence of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis.Conclusion. Wait-times for outpatient consultation and endoscopic evaluation at the St. Paul’s Hospital Division of Gastroenterology exceed current guidelines.

scholarly journals Wait Times for Diagnostic Colonoscopy among Outpatients with Colorectal Cancer: A Comparison with Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Targets

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 894-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Sai Lai Sey ◽  
Jamie Gregor ◽  
Paul Adams ◽  
Nitin Khanna ◽  
Chris Vinden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Cancer Stage ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Diagnostic Colonoscopy ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Timely access to colonoscopy is a nationally recognized issue in Canada, with previous studies documenting significant wait times for a variety of indications. However, specific wait times for colonoscopy among patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer remain unknown.METHODS: A review of all outpatient cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed at colonoscopy in London, Ontario, in 2010 was performed. Wait times from the date of referral to colonoscopy were reviewed and compared with maximal wait times established by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) stratified according to indication. Cancer stage at the time of diagnosis was compared with colonoscopy wait times.RESULTS: A total of 106 colorectal cancer patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Forty-six per cent of patients waited longer than CAG targets, with a mean (± SD) wait time of 79±101 days. Higher cancer stage was associated with shorter wait time, likely as a result of triaging.CONCLUSION: Long wait times for diagnostic colonoscopy among patients with colorectal cancer remain an issue, with a significant proportion of cases not meeting maximal CAG wait time targets.

The Effect of Triage Assessments on Identifying Inflammatory Arthritis and Reducing Rheumatology Wait Times in Ontario

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandana Ahluwalia ◽  
Sydney Lineker ◽  
Raquel Sweezie ◽  
Mary J. Bell ◽  
Tetyana Kendzerska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Improve Access

Objective.We evaluated the influence of triage assessments by extended role practitioners (ERP) on improving timeliness of rheumatology consultations for patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis (IA) or systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD).Methods.Rheumatologists reviewed primary care providers’ referrals and identified patients with inadequate referral information, so that a decision about priority could not be made. Patients were assessed by an ERP to identify those with IA/SARD requiring an expedited rheumatologist consult. The time from referral to the first consultation was determined comparing patients who were expedited to those who were not, and to similar patients in a usual care control group identified through retrospective chart review.Results.Seven rheumatologists from 5 communities participated in the study. Among 177 patients who received an ERP triage assessment, 75 patients were expedited and 102 were not. Expedited patients had a significantly shorter median (interquartile range) wait time to rheumatologist consult: 37.0 (24.5–55.5) days compared to non-expedited patients [105 (71.0–135.0) days] and controls [58.0 (24.0–104.0) days]. Accuracy comparing the ERP identification of IA/SARD to that of the rheumatologists was fair (κ 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.53).Conclusion.Patients triaged and expedited by ERP experienced shorter wait times compared to usual care; however, some patients with IA/SARD were missed and waited longer. Our findings suggest that ERP working in a triage role can improve access to care for those patients correctly identified with IA/SARD. Further research needs to identify an ongoing ERP educational process to ensure the success of the model.

Time stamps used to measure the patient's clinic experience.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 150-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Jensen ◽  
Roy Brown ◽  
Gay Riegel ◽  
Lalan S. Wilfong ◽  
John Russell Hoverman
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Office Visit ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Time Stamp ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Time Stamps

150 Background: In 2013, a patient reported satisfaction survey indicated 19% of patients waited 20-40 minutes, 8% 40-60 minutes and 4% over 1 hour. We initiated a project to objectively quantify the components of wait times to investigate opportunities for improvement. Methods: Utilizing existing technology in the practice management system, clinic staff use the Day List feature to capture time stamps as patients move through the clinic. We focused on provider appointments but these visits could also include business office, labs, infusion and diagnostics. It was important to define where the wait(s) occurred. The Time Stamp durations measured are as follows: Arrival to Depart – duration of each appointment; Arrival to site to Exam Start – duration of activity until ready to be seen by the provider, includes rooming, labs and business office activity. Used to compare to the patient satisfaction survey responses; Exam Start to Depart – the provider portion of the office visit, includes patient wait plus exam time. Three reports are generated: Time Stamp Error Report indicating the completeness of data collection; Average Wait Times Report with appointment counts by physician by site and average durations; Provider Wait Times Report with office visit counts, Wait Time Category counts ( < 10 min, 10-20, 20-40, 40-60, and > 1 hour ) and average durations. Results: There was a correlation calculation to the patient satisfaction survey of .779, with long wait times more likely to be underreported by patients. Site and physician data were available for review at site Quality Committees. The data can be used by the site to improve processes, such as lab and infusion room scheduling. Time stamps are used to communicate patient readiness for next steps in the office visit. The time stamps provide objective data to discuss patient complaints with staff. Conclusions: Patient wait times are a valued measure of patient satisfaction and quality. Full utilization of the Day List and supporting technology allows us to objectively monitor and improve this aspect of patient care. Table 1: Sample Provider Report [Table: see text]

scholarly journals INVESTIGATING THE PHOTOTHERAPY THRESHOLDS IN PRETERM INFANTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. e28-e28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thivia Jegathesan ◽  
Michael Sgro ◽  
Vibhuti Shah ◽  
Aidan Campbell ◽  
Douglas Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Treatment Thresholds ◽  
Weight Outcomes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Current Guidelines

Abstract BACKGROUND Currently there are limited guidelines for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants. Current guidelines are limited to individual sites and are consensus-based opinions. The current decrease in chronic bilirubin encephalopathy in preterm infants is a result of liberal use of phototherapy that are not based on evidence from a large dataset of preterm infants. The pattern of bilirubin levels in preterm is unclear and currently based on clinical judgement. Nomograms in term infants has been proven to be beneficial and effective in reducing unnecessary treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. A nomogram designed for preterm infants would allow health professionals to quantify risk based on evidence based methods and reduce the number of test done on preterm infants. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are 1) To determine photherapy thresholds in preterm infants and 2) To determine the normative pattern of bilirubin values in preterm infants. DESIGN/METHODS A multi-site retrospective chart review of preterm infants ≤ 35 weeks gestation born between January 2012- November 2017 was conducted. The following data was collected; all TSB, postnatal hours of age, duration of phototherapy, infant characteristics (gestational age, birth weight, outcomes) and maternal history (inter and anter partum medication). TSB samples prior to the initiation of phototherapy were analyzed per hour and stratified by gestational age groups. RESULTS A total of 330 preterm infants were included in the retrospective review (50 24-28 weeks gestation, 100 29-32 weeks gestation, and 180 33–35 weeks gestation). The mean peak bilirubin in infants 33-35 week gestation was 198 umol/L at 4 days. These infants were started on phototherapy at a mean age of 89 hours. At 24 hours of age these infants’ bilirubin was 104 umol/L (72-189umol/L). The mean peak bilirubin in infants 29–32 weeks gestation was 181umol/L at 5 days. At 24 hours of age the mean bilirubin was 109 umol/L. Finally in infants 24–28 weeks gestation the mean peak bilirubin was 127 umol/L at 4 days. These infants were started on phototherapy at 44 hours of age. CONCLUSION Bilirubin values in preterm infants is hetergenous across gestional ages. Phototherapy treatment thresholds are lower in preterm infants between 24–28 weeks gestation. A nomogram for preterm infants maybe possible in infants between 29–35 weeks. Further research is required to determine hour specific bilirubin levels in preterm infants.

scholarly journals Effect of the PIVO Device on the Procedure of Phlebotomy from Peripheral IV Catheters

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Suzanne Adams ◽  
Bridget Toroni ◽  
Meenal Lele
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Blood Sample ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Routine Blood ◽  
Current Guidelines ◽  
Difficult Venous Access

Short peripheral catheters (SPC) are an existing conduit into many patients’ veins and line draws from SPC are a desired method of routine blood collection especially in difficult venous access patients. The PIVO device facilitates blood collection through SPC and is being used clinically in a number of hospitals. This study aimed to determine the appropriate wait time following a flush and the minimum waste volume required to obtain an undiluted blood sample when using the PIVO device and how that differed from current guidelines from SPC line draws. A clinical study was conducted examining the analyte results of samples drawn with PIVO through a SPC at varying wait times following a saline flush. Both an initial waste volume and a postwaste sample were compared to a venipuncture control. The resulting samples showed no saline dilution as measured by sodium and creatinine results at all studied wait times. These findings suggest that blood collections using the PIVO device can produce a clinically valid sample with a 30-second wait following a SPC flush and no waste volume prior to sample collection.

scholarly journals Wait Time for Endoscopic Evaluation at a Canadian Tertiary Care Centre: Comparison with Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Targets

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 621-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Yu ◽  
Wilma M Hopman ◽  
William G Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Screening Colonoscopy ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Canadian Association

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been considerable concern regarding wait times for Canadian health care, which led the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) to develop specific wait time targets.OBJECTIVES: To quantify wait times for endoscopic procedures at a tertiary care centre and correlate these with clinical presentation, impact on quality of life (QOL) and final diagnosis; and to determine how well the CAG wait time targets are being met.METHODS: Patients completed a 12-item questionnaire regarding wait times and their impact on QOL. A blind review was performed of the endoscopic results, with a specific focus on correlating wait time with a final diagnosis of serious and treatable diseases.RESULTS: The average total wait time for the 417 participants in the present study was 229 days; 78.6% did not meet CAG wait time targets. The wait time for screening colonoscopy was longer, and the proportion of patients meeting wait time targets was significantly smaller, than for patients referred with iron deficiency anemia or a positive fecal occult blood test result. The 41 patients deemed to have a high-impact diagnosis established by endoscopy had a median wait time of 115 days, and only 23.5% met wait time targets. Overall, 38.4% of patients believed that their wait was too long, 13.9% missed school or work in the preceding month because of gastrointestinal symptoms and 23% reported being very worried about having a serious disease.CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients waiting for endoscopy did not meet CAG wait time targets, with the screening colonoscopy group faring the worst. Many of these patients await a definitive diagnosis of serious diseases that negatively impact QOL.

scholarly journals Wait times in prostate cancer diagnosis and radiation treatment

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Christiaan Stevens ◽  
Susan J. Bondy ◽  
D. Andrew Loblaw
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Prise En Charge ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Treatment Area ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Definitive Therapy

Introduction: Wait times for cancer diagnosis and treatment area significant concern for Canadians. Men with prostate cancerexperience longer waiting times for diagnosis and treatment thanthose observed for other cancers. Longer waits are associated withboth patient and family psychosocial distress and may be associatedwith worse prognosis.Methods: Men referred for treatment of prostate cancer at a singleCanadian cancer centre were interviewed. The intervals from suspicionto definitive therapy were calculated, factors associated withdelays along this pathway were identified, and common causes ofdelay identified by patients were described.Results: A total of 41 consecutive patients participated. The medianinterval from suspicion to the first fraction of radiotherapy forall patients was 247 days (interquartile range [IQR] 168-367 d).The median diagnostic interval was 53 days (IQR 28-166 d). Themedian treatment interval was 127 days (IQR 100-180 d). Patientsunder 70 years old and patients with <T2c disease had shorterintervals from suspicion to treatment. From diagnosis to start ofradiotherapy, patients with low-risk disease had longer intervals.Seventy percent of patients perceived a delay in their care, ofwhich 45%, 31% and 24% of patients felt the delays were due tothe health care system, patient or physician factors, respectively.Interpretation: In this study, 12% and 0% of patients met CanadianStrategy for Cancer Control and Canadian Association of RadiationOncologists wait time recommendations, respectively. A large componentof wait time is patient driven. Alternate strategies shouldbe developed and measured to shorten the intervals between thesuspicion and treatment of prostate cancer.Introduction : Les temps d’attente pour recevoir un diagnosticde cancer et un traitement constituent une source importante depréoccupation pour les Canadiens. Les hommes atteints de cancerde la prostate attendent encore plus longtemps que les patientsatteints d’autres types de cancer pour obtenir un diagnostic etentreprendre un traitement. Ces attentes plus longues se traduisentpour le patient et sa famille par un stress psychosocial et peuventêtre liés à un pronostic plus sombre.Méthodologie : Des hommes aiguillés vers le même centre decancérologie au Canada pour la prise en charge d’un cancer dela prostate ont été interviewés. L’intervalle entre le soupçon decancer et le début réel du traitement a été calculé; on a cernéles facteurs liés aux retards le long du processus, et les causes deretards signalées par les patients ont été décrites.Résultats : Au total, 41 patients consécutifs ont participé. La duréemédiane de l’intervalle entre le soupçon de cancer et la premièreséance de radiothérapie pour tous les patients était de 247 jours(écart interquartile [EIQ], 168 à 367 jours). La durée médianede l’intervalle avant le diagnostic était de 53 jours (EIQ, 28 à166 jours). La durée médiane de l’intervalle avant le début dutraitement était de 127 jours (EIQ, 100 à 180 jours). Les patients deplus de 70 ans et les patients porteurs d’une tumeur T2c ou moinsavancée signalaient des intervalles plus courts entre les premierssoupçons de cancer et le traitement. Entre le diagnostic et le débutde la radiothérapie, les patients présentant une maladie à faiblerisque avaient des intervalles plus longs. Soixante-dix pour centdes patients ont perçu un retard dans leur prise en charge, parmilesquels 45 % croyaient ce retard lié au système de santé, 31 %, àdes facteurs liés au patient, et 24 %, à des facteurs liés au médecin.Interprétation : Dans cette étude, 12 % et 0 % des patients,respectivement, ont présenté des temps d’attentes conformes auxrecommandations de la Stratégie canadienne de lutte contre lecancer et de l’Association canadienne de radio-oncologie. Letemps d’attente est déterminé en grande partie par des facteurs liésau patient. D’autres stratégies devraient être élaborées et évaluéesafin de réduire les intervalles entre les premiers soupçons de cancerde la prostate et le début du traitement.

scholarly journals Wait Times from Presentation to Treatment for Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Singh ◽  
C De Coster ◽  
E Shu ◽  
K Fradette ◽  
S Latosinksy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Occult Blood ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Administrative Databases ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Fecal Occult Blood ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis

BACKGROUND: The wait time from cancer diagnosis to treatment has been a recent focus of cancer care in Canada.OBJECTIVE: To examine the trends in wait times from patient presentation to treatment (overall health system wait time [OWT]) for colorectal cancer (CRC).METHODS: Patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas, diagnosed between 2001 and 2005, and their first definitive treatments were identified from the population-based Manitoba Cancer Registry (Winnipeg, Manitoba). By linkage to Manitoba Health and Healthy Living’s administrative databases, a patient’s first gastrointestinal investigation (abdominal radiological imaging, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy or fecal occult blood test) before CRC diagnosis was identified. The index contact with the health care system was estimated from the date of the visit with the physician who ordered the first gastroenterological investigation. The OWT was defined as the time from the index contact to the first treatment, while diagnostic delay was defined as the time from the index contact to the diagnosis of CRC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of OWT.RESULTS: The OWT was estimated for 2552 cases of CRC over the five years that were examined. The median OWT increased from 61 days in 2001 to 95 days in 2005 (P<0.001). Most of the increase was in diagnostic wait times (median of 44 days in 2001 versus 64 days in 2005 [P<0.001]). Year of diagnosis, older age, urban residence and diagnosis at a teaching facility were independent predictors of OWT.CONCLUSIONS: The OWT from presentation to treatment of CRC in Manitoba steadily increased between 2001 and 2005, mostly due to diagnostic delays.

scholarly journals Improving Patient Experience of Wait Times and Courtesy Through Electronic Sign-in and Notification in the Phlebotomy Clinic

2019 ◽  
Vol 144 (6) ◽  
pp. 769-775
Author(s):  
Vincent Le ◽  
Elizabeth A. Wagar ◽  
Ron A. Phipps ◽  
Robert E. Del Guidice ◽  
Han Le ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Satisfaction Score ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Notification System ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
And Training

Context.— The phlebotomy clinic, which sees on average 900 patients a day, was faced with issues of congestion and noise due to inefficient workflow and processes. The staff called each patient name for his or her turn, and patients were unsure of wait time and position in line. These factors led to unfavorable patient satisfaction regarding wait times and courtesy of the staff. Objective.— To improve patients' experience of wait times and courtesy in the phlebotomy clinic through an electronic sign-in and notification system, redesign of the area, and training of employees. Design.— An electronic sign-in and notification system was implemented in the phlebotomy clinic. Several sign-in stations and whiteboard wall monitors were installed in the clinic, along with a redesign of the patient flow. A Press Ganey survey was given to patients after their visit which included 3 questions related to wait times, courtesy, and information about delays, respectively. The mean responses for each month between March 2016 and December 2018 were aggregated and compared for each measure. Results.— Overall, wait time saw a 7.7% increase in satisfaction score, and courtesy saw a 1.0% increase in satisfaction score during the course of the several interventions that were introduced. The operational efficiency of the clinic also saw a veritable increase because the percent of patients processed within 20 minutes increased by 27%, from 62% (8212 of 13 245 blood draws) to 89% (11 703 of 13 143 blood draws). Conclusions.— The interventions implemented proved to increase the patient satisfaction in each of the measures. The electronic sign-in and whiteboards provided valuable information to both patients and staff.

scholarly journals A150 ACCESS TIMES TO GASTROENTEROLOGY FOR HIGH-RISK IBD REFERRALS IN THE GREATER CALGARY REGION

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 14-15
Author(s):  
J St-Pierre ◽  
I Oshiomogho ◽  
G Bindra ◽  
G G Kaplan ◽  
R Panaccione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Rectal Bleeding ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Abstract Background Delay in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to adverse outcomes. In 2006, the CAG Wait Time Consensus Group recommended that wait times for patients with symptoms highly suggestive of IBD should be seen within two weeks. In 2007, the greater Calgary region established a central access and triage system to improve access to care as well as the “High-Risk IBD clinic” (HR-IBD) to further expedite the access of patients with IBD alarm symptoms. These included diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, abnormalities in laboratory and stool investigations. Aims The current study aimed to evaluate whether patient access to the HR-IBD clinic in the Calgary region was within recommended wait times. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of charts from consented patients pulled from the EMR of five Gastroenterologists in the Calgary region that received HR-IBD referrals from Feb 2014 to Jan 2018. Of the 206 patients included, the majority were female (139 vs 65) and the mean age was 34.4 y, with no statistical difference in age between genders (p=0.81). Data analysis was done with Stata (StataCorp 2019). Results The mean time to initial consult was 74.8 days (median 64), whereas time to endoscopy was 85.5 days (median 77). There was no statistical difference in the mean wait times between genders. Of the patient charts reviewed, 27% of referrals had a confirmed diagnosis of IBD (CD 17%, UC 11%). Patients with a diagnosis of UC waited a mean of 60.1 days (median 60) until initial consultation and patients with a diagnosis of CD waited 77 days (median 63.5), although this was not statistically different (p=0.27). The mean time to endoscopy for patients with UC was 77 days (median 67), and 85.4 days for patients with CD (median 78.5), again not statistically different. These wait times are below the reported wait times for all GI complaints, of 92 days from referral to consultation and 155 days from referral to procedure, as reported in the SAGE survey (2012). Although there were no differences in time to consult and endoscopy between groups, there were notable differences in alarm symptoms reported in the referral. For example, rectal bleeding was reported in 81.8% of referrals that culminated in a diagnosis of UC, as compared to 50% in CD and 47.6% of non-IBD patients. Further analysis in which alarm symptoms correlate with a final diagnosis of IBD may guide triaging of referrals to decrease the time to diagnosis. Conclusions Timely access for consultation and endoscopy for patients presenting with high-risk features for IBD by Gastroenterology in the Calgary region remains above the CAG recommended wait times. Further correlation of high-risk features with a final diagnosis of IBD will help risk-stratify referrals in order to decrease time to IBD diagnosis. Funding Agencies CIHRAlberta Innovates Health Solutions

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