Total caseload of a colorectal surgical unit: baseline measurement and identification of areas for efficiency gains

Resource limitations are a concern in most modern public hospital systems. The aim of this study is to prospectively quantify the total caseload of a tertiary colorectal surgery unit to identify areas of redundancy.

Data was collected prospectively at all points of clinical care (outpatient clinic, inpatient referrals, operating theatre and endoscopy) between March 2014 and March 2015 using specifically designed templates. The final data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

During the study period, 4012 patient episodes were recorded: 2871 in outpatient clinic, 186 as emergency patient referrals, 541 at colonoscopy and 414 at surgery. The largest component of the caseload was made up primarily of colonoscopy results follow-up, protocol review for previous cancer or polyps and post-operative review. Sixty-eight percent of these episodes did not result in any active intervention such as further tests or surgery. Most new outpatient referrals were undifferentiated, with the most common indications being minor rectal bleeding, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, and minor non-bleeding anorectal problems. Of the new referrals, 56 % were booked for a colonoscopy, and only 13.3 % were booked directly for elective surgery.

A large component of the caseload of a tertiary colorectal surgery unit is made up of post-colonoscopy, post-operative, and surveillance protocol follow-up, with a significant proportion of patients not requiring any active intervention. The majority of new referrals are undifferentiated and result in a low rate of direct booking for operative intervention. Rationalisation of this resource using evidence-based methods could reduce redundancy, workload, and cost.