O038 Vigilance Testing Accelerated List (ViTAL) week reduces sleep laboratory waiting times

Abstract Introduction Vigilance testing (MSLT and MWT) is time consuming and labour intensive, requiring close to a 24h admission for five-nap MSLTs. Combined with increased referrals for hypersomnia, waiting times for vigilance testing has increased. Modelled on High Intensity Theatre Lists (UK), we re-directed sleep laboratory resources to run an intensive Vigilance Testing Accelerated List (ViTAL) over 1-week. Methods Resource planning and redirection was co-designed with all laboratory staff. All processes ran concurrently for 5 days to maximise throughput. Four beds were allocated for vigilance tests (i.e. 20 vigilance tests), with the remaining two beds available for urgent studies. Urgent sleep study scoring continued; all other operations were suspended. Following approval from hospital executive, laboratory staffing was reconfigured to cover all shifts and other key staff were consulted (kitchen, cleaning). Results 18 of the 20 slots were filled (15 MSLTs, 3 MWTs). Average wait time for vigilance tests reduced from 98 to 42 days. There was no negative impact on wait-times for regular PSG bookings (52 vs 42 days) or PSG scoring turnaround times (8.7 vs 4.7 days) compared to 1 month prior to ViTAL week. To maintain staffing for all shifts, two of six staff worked over their weekly rostered hours. Conclusion This temporary re-direction of resources was effective in managing a ballooning waitlist. Patient response and staff acceptance was high in the setting of co-design. If performed intermittently, this could be a useful tool to reduce waitlist times, noting sustained increases in workload may leave staff susceptible to burnout.