Optimizing Referral Pathways and Service Delivery at the Minor Operations Service (MOPS), Milton Keynes University Hospital
Author: Arshi Kabir Baig
Base Hospital / Institution: Milton Keynes University Hospital
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-109
Purpose
The Minor Operations Service (MOPS) at Milton Keynes University Hospital was introduced for oculoplastic patients. We aimed to identify cases more prone to self-resolving or not requiring surgical intervention to ensure clinic slots were optimally utilized. Under NHS guidelines, only lesions causing a functional deficit—rather than those of purely cosmetic concern—were eligible for treatment, with any suspicious malignancies requiring biopsy. This audit analysed referral patterns and procedure rates to optimize service efficiency and reduce unnecessary visits.
Methods
Data was collected from June to December 2024, assessing referral reasons, attendance rates, clinical diagnoses, and procedures performed.
Results
The majority (69.1%) of non-operative cases involved self-resolved chalazia. Many referrals lacked documented symptom duration, despite chalazia typically resolving within months. The second most common referral was cysts of Moll (7.2%), which often required no intervention due to the absence of ocular symptoms.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the need for process improvements, such as a pre-clinic telephone assessment 1–2 weeks before the appointment to confirm lesion persistence. Additionally, implementing stricter referral criteria—including symptom duration, photographs, and prior conservative management—can enhance service efficiency and conversion rates. Educating primary care referrers on NHS treatment eligibility criteria and advising that non-resolving chalazia should only be referred after six months will further streamline the referral process and optimize resource utilization.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin | Blackburn | Milton Keynes University Hospital |
| Jennifer | Doyle | Milton Keynes University Hospital |
| Zuzana | Sipkova | Milton Keynes University Hospital |
