Analysis of the outcomes of a visiting surgical service to small rural communities
Wayne Hughes-Anderson1, Jill House, Robert J Aitken
1Rural Surgical Services, University Department of Surgery, QE II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. akhouse@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Background:
A team of visiting surgeons has provided regular clinics and day surgery to rural locations in country towns away from resident surgical centres. This format has provided continuity of care for 7 years despite a constantly changing medical workforce. The aim of the present study was to review the results of the group and to compare them against national standards and to provide a model for future outreach programmes.
Methods:
All patient diagnoses, procedures and clinical outcomes were recorded prospectively. This record of activity was then collated. District hospital records and clinical notes have been rechecked for complications over a discrete 4 year period.
Results:
There have been 7419 items of service provided, including 2676 procedures. The diagnostic grouping and subsequent day-surgery activity are consistent with the top 30 surgical separations from all Australian hospitals. These patients have been found suitable to remain in their own home environment for treatment.
Conclusion:
Experienced surgeons operating on selected patients with careful nursing care, in small country hospitals have outcomes similar to urban hospitals.
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