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EXAMPLE ONLY - NOT FOR USE CURRENTLY - First Clinic Appointment Process

Preparation Checklist

  • Review all referral documentation
  • Ensure imaging is available (MRI/CT/X-rays)
  • Prepare any necessary examination equipment
  • Check patient's medical history

Appointment Structure

  • Aim for 1-2 appointments maximum before surgery
  • Confirm diagnosis and tried conservative management if appropriate. Review medical history and imaging
  • Shared decision making: discuss risks of surgery and post-operative length of stay and recovery times and alternative options
  • Gain consent and list patient for surgery or discuss in surgical MDT meeting
  • Diagnostic injection (not therapeutic - refer to MDT meeting). Injection pathway here (6 month PIFU if it helped)
  • Provide BASS information leaflets: https://spinesurgeons.ac.uk/Booklets

Documentation

  • Complete clinic letter template
  • Document treatment plan
  • Record any referrals made
  • Note follow-up arrangements
  • Record if patient is low or high risk based on age, comorbidities and social circumstances
GIRFT spinal surgery pathways