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Can emergency general surgical referrals be reduced? A prospective study
D J Bowrey1, J M Wheeler, R O Evans
1Department of Surgery, Royal Gwent Hospital, UK.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|February 4, 1998
Summary
Early senior surgeon assessment did not significantly reduce general surgical admissions. This study suggests it may negatively impact surgical training and other clinical duties.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- A hypothesis suggests early senior surgeon assessment reduces general surgical admissions.
- This study investigates the impact of senior surgeon triage on hospital admissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that early senior surgeon assessment significantly reduces general surgical admissions.
- To evaluate the appropriateness of admissions following senior surgeon triage.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 290 surgical patients over one month.
- All admitted patients underwent triage by a senior surgeon.
- Analysis of admission appropriateness and surgical intervention rates.
Main Results:
- Common diagnoses included non-specific abdominal pain, appendicitis, and diverticular disease.
- 22% of emergency admissions proceeded to surgery.
- 90.7% of admissions were deemed appropriate; 5.5% inappropriate.
Conclusions:
- Early senior surgeon assessment did not substantiate claims of significant admission reduction.
- This practice may compromise other clinical duties and surgical training standards.