AB184. SOH25_AB_181. Evaluating the effect of delays in investigation on hospital stay and discharge in patients with visible hematuria requiring acute hospital admission: a clinical audit

Background: This audit evaluated the management of inpatients admitted with visible hematuria (VH) at University Hospital Limerick from 1st August 2024 to 31st October 2024. The primary objectives were to assess the impact of delays in radiological and urological investigations, mainly on discharge timing and overall hospital stay.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively for 63 patients, including admission dates, types and timings of radiological and urological investigations, and discharge dates. The outcomes focused on investigation delays and their influence on inpatient discharge.

Results: The average time for the first radiological investigation is 4.5 days (median: 4 days). Delays in radiological investigations, particularly computed tomography urogram (CTU), significantly contributed to prolonged hospital stays. The average time for cystoscopy is 3.8 days (median: 3 days). Delays in cystoscopy are mainly attributed to a lack of dedicated urological theatre access. CTU were performed in 70% of cases, representing the majority of radiological evaluations. Flexible cystoscopy accounted for 80% of cases. Average length of stay: 7.2 days (median: 6 days).

Conclusions: This audit highlights the considerable impact of delayed access to CTU on inpatient discharge and resource utilization. Additionally, a lack of dedicated theatre access to urological patients further prolongs stays by delaying cystoscopy. Improving access to CTU and urological theatre investigations is crucial to reducing delays, improving patient flow, and optimizing urological patient care delivery.

Keywords: Visible hematuria (VH); computed tomography urogram (CTU); cystoscopy; length of stay; emergency admission