Fast-Tracking Varicose Vein Treatment: A Post COVID Pathway for Effective Care

Abstract

Aim: Standard treatment pathways for varicose veins (VV) consist of a referral, first clinic appointment, vascular ultrasound (VUS) and a follow-up appointment to determine eligibility for intervention. Multiple appointments cause delays in treatment. Publication of the 'NHS 10-year long-term plan' and post-COVID waiting lists motivated this quality improvement project combining One-Stop Venous Clinics (OSVCs) and office-based truncal venous radiofrequency ablation/ sclerotherapy (OBRFA/ST). The OSVCs aim to reduce waiting time from first appointment to treatment.