Data analysis
Data was entered into a standardised spreadsheet for analysis. Referral
reasons were coded from the referral letter to allow more concise
representation of data. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyse
patient demographics, referral source, waiting times and clinic
outcomes. Chi squared and odds ratios were calculated comparing the
primary outcome between groups. Independent sample t-test was conducted
to compare the mean number of appointments required for definitive
management between the two cohorts. All statistical analysis was
performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28).
Ethical considerations: The study was prospectively registered as
a service evaluation and approved by our institutional review board.