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.