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Changes in the workload composition in a plastic surgery unit over a 12 year period
I Kieran1, E Fitzgerald, S Murphy
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland, ingridkieran@yahoo.com.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|April 12, 2013
Summary
A 12-year study of a regional plastic surgery unit revealed a shift from a 1:2 to a 2:1 elective-to-emergency case ratio, aligning with guidelines. This change occurred alongside a 40% increase in overall caseload.
Area of Science:
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Guidelines from the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons recommend a 2:1 ratio of elective to emergency cases in plastic surgery units.
- This study evaluates a regional plastic surgery unit's adherence to these recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the workload composition of a regional plastic surgery unit in relation to established guidelines.
- To analyze changes in the elective versus emergency case ratio over a 12-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of all plastic and reconstructive surgery cases.
- Data collected over a 12-year period from 1998 to 2009.
- Examination of workload composition changes.
Main Results:
- The unit's ratio of elective to trauma procedures changed from 1:2 to the recommended 2:1.
- The overall caseload increased by nearly 40% during the study period (1998: 3,281 cases; 2009: 4,529 cases).
Conclusions:
- Increased staffing at consultant and non-consultant levels was crucial for accommodating the changing case mix.
- Enhanced resources, including allocated theatre sessions and outpatient clinics, supported the shift in workload composition.
