Impacto económico y satisfacción de la implantación de una consulta de alta resolución de patología nodular tiroidea en Endocrinología
- Gonzalo Díaz Soto 1
- Beatriz Torres Torres 1
- Juan José López Gómez 1
- Emilia Gómez Hoyos 1
- Aurelia Villar Bonet 1
- Enrique Romero Bobillo 1
- Daniel Antonio de Luis Román 1
- 1 Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición
ISSN: 1575-0922
Year of publication: 2016
Volume: 63
Issue: 8
Pages: 414-420
Type: Article
More publications in: Endocrinología y nutrición: órgano de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición
Abstract
Background and objective No conclusive data exist on the value of a high resolution thyroid nodule clinic for management of nodular thyroid disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of and user satisfaction with a high resolution thyroid nodule clinic (HRTNC) in coordination with primary care. Patients and method A prospective, observational, descriptive study was conducted to analyze data from 3,726 patients (mean age 61 ± 12 years; 85% women) evaluated at an HRTNC during 2014 and 2015. Demographic data (sex and age), number of ultrasound examinations and fine needle aspiration cytologies (FNAC), referral center and consultation type were assessed. Results In 2014 and 2015, 3,726 neck ultrasound examinations and 926 FNACs (3.8% rated as non-diagnostic) were performed. Among the 1,227 patients evaluated for the first time, 21.5% did not require a second endocrine appointment, which resulted in mean estimated savings of 14,354.55 euros. Of all patients, 41.1% were referred from primary care, 33.4% from endocrinology, and 26.5% from other specialties. As compared to 2013, the number of thyroid ultrasound examinations requested decreased by 65.3% and 59.7% in 2014 and 2015 respectively, with mean estimated savings of 137,563.92 euros. Mean user satisfaction assessed was 4.0 points (95% confidence interval, 3.7-4.3) on a 5-point scale. Conclusions HRTNCs at endocrinology departments, coordinated with primary care, are a viable, cost-effective alternative with a positive user perception.