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A state-wide survey of index pediatric surgical conditions
Insights
A survey found that about half of pediatric surgery cases in Connecticut were performed by non-pediatric surgeons. Increasing pediatric surgeon numbers could improve care for these common pediatric surgical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Workforce Analysis
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Assessing the current landscape of pediatric surgical care is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
- Understanding surgeon attitudes and case distribution informs workforce planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey general surgeons' attitudes towards pediatric surgery in Connecticut.
- To determine the volume of index pediatric surgical conditions and their treatment distribution.
- To evaluate the need for specialized pediatric surgical resources.
Main Methods:
- A statewide survey of general surgeons was conducted.
- Data collected on attitudes, case volumes, and treatment providers for index pediatric surgical conditions.
- Analysis of the proportion of cases treated by pediatric vs. non-pediatric surgeons.
Main Results:
- The incidence of studied pediatric surgical conditions aligned with previous reports.
- Approximately 50% of index pediatric surgical cases were managed by non-pediatric surgeons.
- Two-thirds of surveyed surgeons acknowledged the necessity of a regional neonatal surgical center.
Conclusions:
- Significant opportunities exist to increase the pediatric surgical workforce.
- Optimizing care delivery may involve consolidating pediatric surgical procedures with specialized surgeons.
- Regional needs assessments are vital for effective pediatric surgical workforce planning.
Abstract:
A statewide survey of pediatric surgery was sponsored by the Connecticut Society of American Board Surgeons to determine the general surgeons attitudes about performing routine and complex pediatric surgery, the absolute volume of index pediatric surgical conditions in the state, and the proportion treated by pediatric and nonpediatric surgeons. The incidence of index conditions studied was very similar to those previously reported. Approximately one half of all index cases were treated by nonpediatric surgeons, indicating that the number of pediatric surgeons could be increased, and possibly doubled, if all index procedures were performed by pediatric surgeons. Two-thirds of responding surgeons recognized the need for a regional neonatal surgical center. Regional or statewise surveys of index surgical conditions are recommended to determine regional manpower needs.