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Out-patient follow-up after routine surgery: a questionnaire study
H R Williams1, V B Conboy, B I Rees
1Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|September 15, 1998
Summary
This study surveyed surgeons and general practitioners (GPs) in Wales regarding post-operative care. Findings indicate varied opinions on GPs managing follow-up, suggesting further research is needed before changing outpatient protocols.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Practice
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Follow-up Protocols
Background:
- Outpatient departments face increasing patient loads, necessitating efficient post-operative follow-up strategies.
- Current practices for post-operative care by consultant general surgeons and urologists in Wales were not well-defined.
- Exploring the potential for general practitioners (GPs) to assume post-operative follow-up responsibilities could alleviate pressure on hospital services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current outpatient follow-up practices among consultant general surgeons and urologists in Wales for nine common surgical procedures.
- To evaluate the willingness of general practitioners (GPs) in South Glamorgan to undertake post-operative follow-up care.
- To identify potential areas for collaboration and protocol development to optimize patient care pathways.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to all consultant general surgeons and urologists in Wales.
- A separate questionnaire was sent to a random sample of general practitioners (GPs) in South Glamorgan.
- Response rates were 77% for consultants (58 responses) and 66% for GPs (33 responses).
Main Results:
- The study calculated the percentage of consultants routinely performing at least one post-operative visit.
- The study determined the percentage of GPs prepared to manage post-operative follow-up for specific procedures.
- Significant agreement and disagreement were observed between consultant and GP responses, without a clear discernible pattern.
Conclusions:
- Current practices for post-operative follow-up show variability among surgical consultants and GPs.
- There is no distinct pattern of agreement or disagreement that would support immediate changes in outpatient protocols.
- A larger, more comprehensive study is required to develop evidence-based protocols for rationalizing outpatient department services.