Direct Access Minor Surgery service--patient satisfaction and effectiveness

Waiting lists for surgical out-patients and elective operations are a major concern of the National Health Service. A Direct Access Minor Surgery programme in an ambulatory minor theatre area has been introduced to expedite patient treatment. The response of patients to this service has been assessed.

A postal questionnaire was offered to all patients attending for the Direct Access Minor Surgery over a period of 20 months (January 2002 to August 2003). Patients were asked about direct attendance for surgery without a prior out-patient appointment, about waiting time before operation on the day of surgery and the adequacy of pre-operative information. Overall satisfaction was assessed using a scoring system. The incidence of inappropriate referrals was analysed. The influence of the service on waiting lists and resources was assessed.

A total of 221 patients were operated on, 257 lesions being excised. Response rate to the postal questionnaire was 55%. Of respondents, 75% thought that it was appropriate to attend the hospital directly without an out-patient clinic appointment. To 83% the waiting time was acceptable. Of patients, 90% were happy with the pre-operative information. Overall, 91% of respondents were very satisfied with the service. Inappropriate referrals were 4%. The new service reduced waiting time for minor surgery from 53 to 10 weeks. It also released approximately 140 new out-patient slots per annum.

Direct Access Minor Surgery is a safe and favoured service with high patient satisfaction.