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Open access carotid duplex scanning: throughput and resultant surgical workload.
N Maughn1, M Forbes, A Summersgill
1Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|December 5, 2000
Summary
High-quality duplex scanning can replace pre-operative angiography for most carotid disease assessments. This study details the subsequent workload impact on imaging and surgical departments after introducing an open-access service.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Services Management
Background:
- Pre-operative angiography was standard for carotid disease assessment.
- Duplex scanning emerged as a high-quality alternative.
- An information leaflet disseminated service details to healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an open-access duplex scanning service.
- To assess the resulting workload in imaging and surgical departments.
- To analyze the shift from angiography to duplex scanning for carotid disease.
Main Methods:
- Information leaflet distribution to general practitioners and hospital doctors in 1996.
- Retrospective analysis of imaging and surgical department workloads.
- Review of indications and treatment results for carotid disease.
Main Results:
- Duplex scanning became the preferred method, reducing the need for angiography.
- Significant workload changes were observed in both diagnostic imaging and surgical departments.
- The open-access service facilitated streamlined patient management.
Conclusions:
- High-quality duplex scanning effectively replaces pre-operative angiography in most carotid disease cases.
- The implementation of an open-access service significantly altered departmental workflows.
- Efficient service delivery models are crucial for managing vascular disease assessment workloads.