P132 TRAVERSING: Transfer of thoracic Aortic Vascular Emergencies to Regional Specialist Institutes Group

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) is rising. The Department of Health is considering a supra regional tier of centralisation for complex aortic care. No standardised pathway exists to guide the transfer of patients with AAS, despite increasing evidence from coroners and the Healthcare Safety Investigation Board of delayed transfers and miscommunication costing lives. This study aims to deliver a pathway for the safe transfer of patients with suspected AAS to a specialist aortic centre through multidisciplinary Delphi consensus. METHODS: The researchers will create an interdisciplinary Steering Group to oversee the study, which will identify appropriate stakeholders for inclusion in the Delphi process. A systematic review will be performed to summarise existing evidence and highlight gaps in knowledge where consensus is required. The Steering Group will create, circulate and interpret the Delphi questionnaire. The outcomes will also enable determination of criteria for audit that should become the standard for ensuring a safe and efficient process for patient transfer to a complex aortic centre. RESULTS: Results will provide inter-disciplinary guidance to healthcare professionals for early management and transfer of patients with suspected AAS, and prevent unnecessary transfer, thereby improving outcomes, ensuring equity of access to specialist aortic care for patients. Results will also provide audit standards through which future improvements can be realised. CONCLUSION: This study is reliant upon collaboration between multidisciplinary healthcare providers, qualitative researchers and patients. Its success will streamline emergency pathways in the management of AAS, saving lives and resources, with inbuilt mechanisms for continuous review and improvement.