scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on elective and trauma spine service in a district general hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 281-286
Author(s):  
Wajiha Zahra ◽  
Monil Karia ◽  
Daniel Rolton
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Acute Hospital ◽  
Retrospective Data ◽  
Spine Trauma ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Acute Hospital Admission ◽  
The Impact

Aims The aim of this paper is to describe the impact of COVID-19 on spine surgery services in a district general hospital in England in order to understand the spinal service provisions that may be required during a pandemic. Methods A prospective cohort study was undertaken between 17 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 and compared with retrospective data from same time period in 2019. We compared the number of patients requiring acute hospital admission or orthopaedic referrals and indications of referrals from our admission sheets and obtained operative data from our theatre software. Results Between 17 March to 30 April 2020, there were 48 acute spine referrals as compared to 68 acute referrals during the same time period last year. In the 2019 period, 69% (47/68) of cases referred to the on-call team presented with back pain, radiculopathy or myelopathy compared to 43% (21/48) in the 2020 period. Almost 20% (14/68) of spine referrals consisted of spine trauma as compared to 35% (17/48) this year. There were no confirmed cases of cauda equine last year during this time. Overall, 150 spine cases were carried out during this time period last year, and 261 spine elective cases were cancelled since 17 March 2020. Recommendations We recommend following steps can be helpful to deal with similar situations or new pandemics in future: 24 hours on-call spine service during the pandemic. Clinical criteria in place to prioritize urgent spinal cases. Pre-screening spine patients before elective operating. Start of separate specialist trauma list for patients needing urgent surgeries. Conclusion This paper highlights the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a district general hospital of England. We demonstrate a decrease in hospital attendances of spine pathologies, despite an increase in emergency spine operations. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:281–286.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on elective and trauma spine service in a district general hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 281-286
Author(s):  
Wajiha Zahra ◽  
Monil Karia ◽  
Daniel Rolton
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Acute Hospital ◽  
Retrospective Data ◽  
Spine Trauma ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Acute Hospital Admission ◽  
The Impact

Aims The aim of this paper is to describe the impact of COVID-19 on spine surgery services in a district general hospital in England in order to understand the spinal service provisions that may be required during a pandemic. Methods A prospective cohort study was undertaken between 17 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 and compared with retrospective data from same time period in 2019. We compared the number of patients requiring acute hospital admission or orthopaedic referrals and indications of referrals from our admission sheets and obtained operative data from our theatre software. Results Between 17 March to 30 April 2020, there were 48 acute spine referrals as compared to 68 acute referrals during the same time period last year. In the 2019 period, 69% (47/68) of cases referred to the on-call team presented with back pain, radiculopathy or myelopathy compared to 43% (21/48) in the 2020 period. Almost 20% (14/68) of spine referrals consisted of spine trauma as compared to 35% (17/48) this year. There were no confirmed cases of cauda equine last year during this time. Overall, 150 spine cases were carried out during this time period last year, and 261 spine elective cases were cancelled since 17 March 2020. Recommendations We recommend following steps can be helpful to deal with similar situations or new pandemics in future: 24 hours on-call spine service during the pandemic. Clinical criteria in place to prioritize urgent spinal cases. Pre-screening spine patients before elective operating. Start of separate specialist trauma list for patients needing urgent surgeries. Conclusion This paper highlights the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a district general hospital of England. We demonstrate a decrease in hospital attendances of spine pathologies, despite an increase in emergency spine operations. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:281–286.

scholarly journals EP.WE.268Impact of COVID-19 on surgical services in a District General Hospital in the UK: benefits versus drawbacks

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Islam El-Abbassy ◽  
Hesham El-Hakim ◽  
Mei Kei Wong ◽  
Robert McIntyre
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Surgical Service ◽  
Remote Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 outbreak led to significant changes in health services worldwide. This study aims to assess the impact of this outbreak on the surgical services in a small District General Hospital and to highlight any benefits that we can take forward. Methods Data were collected retrospectively comparing the surgical service activity during the two months (April and May 2020) around the peak of COVID-19 first wave in the UK and the similar two-month period the year before when activity was at its usual pre-COVID level. A short questionnaire on the use and satisfaction of remote consultation was circulated to all hospital consultants. Results The total number of patients presenting to the emergency department in all specialities almost halved during the COVID-19 crisis. The number of emergency surgical admissions decreased. All elective lists were cancelled and more patients were managed conservatively. In April and May 2020, 156 patients had outpatient surgical consultations. Only 14 of them were face-to-face, whereas the rest were done either by telephone or video calls. This is compared to 472 patients who had face-to-face consultations in April and May 2019. The results of the questionnaire showed that over 90% of the consultants felt telemedicine consultations were satisfactory and that they would have an important role in the future. Conclusion COVID-19 had serious impacts on surgical services regarding cancellation of elective lists and prolongation of waiting time. Despite these drawbacks, the increased confidence with telemedicine services was a significant benefit.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on surgical services in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom: benefits versus drawbacks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Islam H. El-Abbassy ◽  
Hesham El-Hakim ◽  
Mei Kei Wong ◽  
Robert McIntyre
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Remote Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: COVID-19 outbreak led to significant changes in health services worldwide. This study aimed to assess the impact of this outbreak on the surgical services in a small District General Hospital and to highlight any benefits that we can take forward.Methods: Data were collected retrospectively comparing the surgical service activity during the two months (April and May 2020) around the peak of COVID-19 first wave in the UK and the similar two-month period the year before when activity was at its usual pre-COVID level. A short questionnaire on the use and satisfaction of remote consultation was circulated to all hospital consultants.Results: The total number of patients presenting to the emergency department in all specialities almost halved during the COVID-19 crisis. The number of emergency surgical admissions decreased. All elective lists were cancelled and more patients were managed conservatively. In April and May 2020, 156 patients had outpatient surgical consultations. Only 14 of them were face-to-face, whereas the rest were done either by telephone or video calls. This is compared to 472 patients who had face-to-face consultations in April and May 2019. The results of the questionnaire showed that over 90% of the consultants felt telemedicine consultations were satisfactory and that they would have an important role in the future.Conclusions: COVID-19 had serious impacts on surgical services regarding cancellation of elective lists and prolongation of waiting time. Despite these drawbacks, the increased confidence with telemedicine services was a significant benefit. 

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute General Surgical Admissions in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rory Callan ◽  
Nazrin Assaf ◽  
Katharine Bevan
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Surgical Team ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has greatly impacted healthcare systems and society more generally around the world. The management of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 has primarily impacted emergency departments, medical teams, and intensive care units. However, the impact on health systems as a whole, including surgical specialties, has been wide ranging. We aimed to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown on the number and characteristics of general surgical patients reviewed and/or admitted by the surgical team within a district general hospital. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted in the 2-week period from start of the lockdown (Monday 23rd March 2020 to 5th April 2020), and the same period 1 year earlier (Monday 25th March 2019 to 7th April 2019). Number of patients reviewed and admitted were compared between the two cohorts. Data including diagnosis, operation/procedural interventions, and length of stay were analysed. The overall number of patients reviewed and admitted by the surgical team was substantially lower during the period of lockdown (61 vs 126). Of the patients seen during lockdown, a smaller proportion were admitted to hospital after initial surgical review (59% vs 77%, p<0.05). Interventional/operative procedures were performed in a similar proportion of patients in both cohorts (31%). Our data show that there has been a substantial reduction in the number of patients being referred to and admitted by the general surgical team at our centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explanations for this include reduced attendance due to risk perception of the patients, the impact of lockdown messages and advice regarding self-isolation, as well as an increased threshold for patient admission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key learning points include the possible benefits of a reduction in admission to hospital of patients with nonurgent conditions.

scholarly journals 822 Lessons Learnt During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Surgical Admissions in A District General Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Ahn ◽  
N Khan ◽  
N Desai ◽  
M Abdu ◽  
L Hiddema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Severe Respiratory Distress ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
Record Data ◽  
Efficacious Vaccine ◽  
Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute severe respiratory distress syndrome which resulted in an unprecedented impact on NHS service provision. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on general surgical services in a district general hospital. Method Electronic health care record data was retrospectively collected from 6th of April to 6th of May for both 2019 and 2020. Results Despite fewer referrals and admissions in 2020 (133 vs 177 admissions in 2019), there were more failed discharges (29 vs 17 in 2019) and higher associated costs. Higher numbers of biliary related pathologies and pancreatitis (50 in 2020 vs 25 in 2019), and fewer complaints of non-specific abdominal pain (10 in 2020 vs 22 in 2019) were observed. The use of outpatient investigations decreased by approximately 40% in 2020; however, utilisation of inpatient investigations was comparable. Conclusions Better utilisation of outpatient investigations and virtual clinic services may surmount pressures from further peaks of COVID-19. The increase in biliary related cases and pancreatitis may be consequent upon lifestyle changes during lockdown. This merits further investigation and if appropriate, public health intervention. In the absence of an efficacious vaccine, further research would be essential to streamline general surgical services based on clinical risk stratification.

661 Improving Antibiotic Prescribing in a District General Hospital: A Closed Loop Audit

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z H Ng ◽  
T Kamran
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Correct Choice ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Surgical Team ◽  
Abdominal Abscesses ◽  
Antibiotic Efficacy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Local Antibiotic

Abstract Aim Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective in decreasing wound infection and postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses for patients undergoing appendicectomy. Compliance with local hospital antibiotic guidelines is important in ensuring antibiotic efficacy and reducing potential for toxicity and antibiotic resistance. The aim was to assess the impact of educational interventions on the adherence to local antibiotic guidelines in patients undergoing appendicectomy at a Scottish district general hospital. Method Preoperative antibiotic prescribing in consecutive adult patients aged ≥ 16 years undergoing appendicectomy were audited against hospital guidelines over a four-month period between March 2019 and July 2019. We implemented change through antibiotic prescribing teaching for doctors in the surgical team and anaesthetic team. This change was subsequently evaluated through a re-audit over a three-month period between December 2019 and February 2020. Results The baseline audit demonstrated 68.8% (n = 11/16) compliance to local antibiotic guidelines among patients undergoing appendicectomy. The remaining patients had the correct choice of antibiotics, but gentamicin was prescribed in different doses. Gaps in prescriber awareness of antibiotic guidelines were identified. Following departmental teaching sessions regarding antibiotic prescribing and use of the gentamicin dosing calculator, the re-audit showed 93.8% (n = 15/16) compliance with local antibiotic guidelines among prescribers in the surgical team and anaesthesic team. Conclusions Education interventions were instrumental in improving adherence to antibiotic prescribing guidelines. This highlights the importance of regular audit and prescriber education in the promotion of antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.

Reducing the number of unnecessary laboratory tests within hospital through the use of educational interventions

2021 ◽  
pp. 000456322110406
Author(s):  
Michael Thurm ◽  
Helen Craggs ◽  
Merlin Watts ◽  
Anthony Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
The Impact

Background The growing number of laboratory investigation requests is placing an increased burden upon NHS resources. Around a quarter of all tests are unnecessary repeats, and almost a third have no impact on patient management. Doctors recognise that tests should only be performed when clinically indicated, but a culture persists of undertaking unnecessary repeat investigations. Methods A cohort study was undertaken at a district general hospital to observe the impact of introducing educational interventions in the form of a poster and a series of educational lectures, encouraging clinicians to consider whether an investigation was clinically indicated. Data was collected from nine different sites across the hospital run by different medical teams regarding the number of tests undertaken and the impact on patient care. Results Data from over 13,000 tests and over 2000 patients was analysed from nine different sites across the hospital. There was a significant reduction (33%, p = 0.0001) in the number of blood tests performed. This reduction in testing saved £7006 over the course of 1 month, in addition to other benefits. There was a reduction in testing in eight out of the nine sites in which the study was undertaken, demonstrating good generalisability of results. There was no significant increase in length of admission or mortality. Conclusion Educational interventions to doctors have a significant and safe impact in reducing the number of unnecessary investigations, providing cost saving benefits to the NHS.

The impact of an education intervention on the approach of hospital staff to patients with dementia in a Danish general hospital setting: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
pp. 205715852110229
Author(s):  
Annemarie Toubøl ◽  
Lene Moestrup ◽  
Katja Thomsen ◽  
Jesper Ryg ◽  
Dennis Lund Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Dementia Education

The number of patients with dementia admitted to hospitals is increasing. However, the care and treatment of these patients tends to be suboptimal. A response to this is a widespread implementation of educational initiatives. Nevertheless, the effect of such initiatives is questioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a dementia education intervention by examining the self-reported outcomes of general hospital staff and exploring the staff’s experiences of these outcomes. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design framed the study method. The quantitative data collection included repeated questionnaires: pre-intervention ( n = 849), one month post-intervention ( n = 618), and five months post-intervention ( n = 468) followed by a qualitative data collection using interviews ( n = 16). The GRAMMS guideline was followed. The integration of the quantitative and qualitative results suggests that the impact of the education intervention can be ascribed to the interdisciplinary focus, which facilitated a comprehensive commitment to creating careful solutions for patients with dementia. A prioritization of person over task seems to be assisted by an improved interdisciplinary cooperation initiated by the inclusion of all employed staff at the hospital in a dementia education intervention.

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