Rapid implementation of triaging system for assessment of breast referrals from primary care centres during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective The aim of this study was to establish a triaging system for assessment of breast referrals from primary care to ensure safe and effective breast services without compromising breast cancer management. Background COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and with no effective treatment available, preventing spread has been paramount. Previously, all referrals from primary care were seen in the rapid-access breast clinic (RABC). Clinic appointments exposed patients and healthcare professionals to risk. Method Initial triage during the lockdown was in line with national governing body guidance, rejected low risk referrals and streamed remaining patients through a telephone consultation to RABC or discharge. A modified triage pathway streamed all patients through virtual triage to RABC, telephone clinic or discharge with advice and guidance categories. Demographics, reasons for referral and outcomes data were collected and presented as median with range and frequency with percentages. Results Initial triage (23 March–23 April 2020) found fewer referrals with a higher percentage of breast cancer diagnoses. Modified triage (22 June–17 July 2020) resulted in a 35.1% (99/282) reduction in RABC attendance. Overall cancer detection rate remained similar at 4.2% of all referrals pre-COVID (18/429) and 4.3% (12/282) during modified triage. After six months follow-up of patients not seen in RABC during the modified triage pathway, 18 patients were re-referred to RABC and none were diagnosed with cancer. Conclusion A modified triage pathway has the potential to improve triage efficiency and prevent unnecessary visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further refinement of pathway is feasible in collaboration with primary care.