Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating the Potential Benefit of a One Stop Vein Clinic (OSVeC)

OBJECTIVES

• Primary Objective

o Measure the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained at 3 months (using EuroQoL's EQ-5D) & AVVQ by patients randomised to treatment in the One Stop Vein Clinic with patients randomised to treatment in the normal care pathway

• Secondary Objective

• Patient satisfaction with the service provided using the Picker patient experience questionnaire both post-operatively and at the 3 months follow-up (One Stop Vein Clinic versus Normal Care Pathway)

• Measure and compare the quality of life scores using CIVIQ at 0 and 3 months in patients randomised to treatment in the One Stop Vein Clinic with patients randomised to the Normal Care Pathway

• Record the time from referral to treatment (RTT)

• Assess the cost-effectiveness of the One Stop Vein clinic compared to the normal care pathway

• Record the time to return to normal activities and to work

• Assess the estimated societal costs

BACKGROUND Varicose veins are very common conditions, affecting approximately 25% of the population. Over 35,000 varicose vein procedures are currently carried out in the UK. However, with the new 2013 NICE guidelines, the Department of Health has estimated that this is set to increase to 50,000 per year. Waiting for varicose vein interventions has been shown to be detrimental to the severity of the condition and the quality of life of patients. Progression of varicose veins can also lead to complications such as leg ulcerations and can be costly to the health service. Over the past decade, new endovenous techniques have been introduced and these are felt to be cost-effective, especially, when performed in an outpatient or 'office-based' setting. At present, patients referred to the Vascular unit for consideration of management of their varicose veins have to attend the outpatient clinic at least twice prior to be listed for their procedure.