scholarly journals An Analysis between Patient Demographics and Non-attendances in General Surgery Clinics at an NHS Trust: An Audit

Author(s):  
A. W. Y. Ng ◽  
G. H. C. Lim ◽  
A. Winarski ◽  
E. Ross ◽  
E. J. Nevins ◽  
...  

Background: Missed clinic appointments can have bearing on a multitude of factors including patient care, hospital management and resources. Aim: To assess the non-attendance rates to surgical clinics within our trust. Secondary outcomes will be to assess the correlation between travel distances to clinic, time of year, patient demographics, and whether the appointment is a new patient or follow-up, on DNA rate.  Methods: Retrospective audit including all patients attending outpatient general surgical appointments at all 5 district general hospitals within the trust between the fiscal years of April 2016 to March 2018. Using case notes and electronic patient records, data on patient demographics, type of appointment, time of year and distance from hospital were collected.  Results and Conclusions: There is correlation between DNAs and age, gender, ethnicity, subspecialty, and distance from hospital. The reasons behind DNAs will be multifactorial and efforts should be made to investigate the barriers to attendance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salim Malik ◽  
Thomas Evans ◽  
Shafquat Zaman ◽  
Misra Budhoo

Abstract Background Gallstone disease is common and affects approximately 10-15% of adults. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is the definitive management of cholecystitis. NICE and RCS guidance recommend that in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis a LC should be performed during the same admission or within 7 days. We audited our compliance against these national guidelines. Methods Retrospective audit of all patients admitted with uncomplicated acute cholecystitis over a 4 month period. Patient demographics, admission details, timing of cholecystectomy, complications, follow-up, and re-admission data were collected. Results 50 patients (60% female, 40% male; mean age: 60.7 years) with acute cholecystitis were included. Mean length of stay was 4.8 days. Only 10% had a cholecystectomy within 1 week of diagnosis. Of those discharged without a LC on the index admission, 14% were readmitted with further gallstone related complications (cholangitis, pancreatitis) within 48.6 days from initial discharge. The mean time to surgery after initial discharge was 125.8 days. Conclusion There is poor compliance with NICE guidelines to perform an early LC in our cohort of patients, primarily because of the lack of Trust based guidelines. This audit demonstrates the need to develop a robust ‘hot gallbladder’ pathway within our hospital to improve current practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debajyoti Bhattacharyya ◽  
Neeraj Raizada ◽  
Bharathnag Nagappa ◽  
Arvind Tomar ◽  
Prateek Maurya ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND There are apprehensions among healthcare worker (HCWs) about COVID-19. The HCWs have been given hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) chemo-prophylaxis for seven weeks as per Government of India guidelines. OBJECTIVE To assess the apprehensions among HCWs about COVID-19 and to document accessibility, adherence and side effects related to HCQ prophylaxis in HCWs. METHODS A longitudinal follow up study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. HCQ was given in the dose of 400 mg twice on day one, and then 400 mg weekly for seven weeks. 391 HCWs were interviewed using semi structured questionnaire. RESULTS 62.2% HCWs expressed perceived danger posted by COVID-19 infection. Doctors (54%) showed least acceptance and paramedics (88%) showed highest acceptance to chemo-prophylaxis. 17.5% participants developed at least one of the side effects to HCQ. Females and nursing profession were significantly associated with adverse effects. Common side effects were gastro-intestinal symptoms, headache and abnormal mood change. Most of these were mild, not requiring any intervention. Gender, professions and perceived threat of COVID-19 were significantly associated with acceptance and adherence to HCQ prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS Two third of HCWs had perceived danger due to COVID-19. Three fourth of the HCWs accepted chemo-prophylaxis and four out of five who accepted had complete adherence to prophylaxis schedule. One out of five had developed at least one of side effects; however, most of these were mild not requiring any intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2808
Author(s):  
Wojciech Poncyljusz ◽  
Kinga Kubiak ◽  
Leszek Sagan ◽  
Bartosz Limanówka ◽  
Katarzyna Kołaczyk

Background: Stent-assisted coiling is an effective method of treating intracranial aneurysms. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the new Accero stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, single-center study. Eighteen unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated using the stent-assisted coiling method with the Accero stent. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, grade of occlusion, complications, and clinical results were analyzed. Follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) was performed 6 months after intervention. Results: Seventeen patients with 18 incidental unruptured aneurysms were electively treated with coiling and the Accero stent. The aneurysms were located on internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA). All stents were deployed successfully. Immediate complete occlusion rate Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class I was achieved in 13 cases and class II in 4 cases. Complications occurred in 2/17 treatments and included guidewire stent perforation with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and stent deformation. Vascular spasm in the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patient subsided before discharge. Ninety days after intervention, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) value was 0. RROC class I was observed in 88.23% of cases in follow-up. Conclusion: The Accero stent provides excellent support for coil mass. It constitutes an efficacious device with good initial occlusion rate for treating wide-necked unruptured intracranial aneurysms.


CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S69-S69
Author(s):  
V. Tsang ◽  
K. Bao ◽  
J. Taylor

Introduction: Whole-body computed tomography scans (WBCT) are a mainstay in the work-up of polytrauma or multiple trauma patients in the emergency department. While incredibly useful for identifying traumatic injuries, WBCTs also reveal incidental findings in patients, some of which require further diagnostic testing and subsequent treatment. Although the presence of incidental findings in WBCTs have been well documented, there has been no systematic review conducted to organize and interpret findings, determine IF prevalence, and document strategies for best management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE. Specific journals and reference lists were hand-mined, and Google Scholar was used to find any additional papers. Data synthesis was performed to gather information on patient demographics, prevalence and type of incidental findings (IFs), and follow-up management was collected. All documents were independently assessed by the two reviewers for inclusion and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: 1231 study results were identified, 59 abstracts, and 12 included in final review. A mean of 53.9% of patients had at least one IF identified, 31.5% had major findings, and 68.5% had minor findings. A mean of 2.7 IFs per patient was reported for articles that included number of total IFs. The mean age of patients included in the studies were 44 years old with IFs more common in older patients and men with more IFs than women. IFs were most commonly found in the abdominal/pelvic region followed by kidneys. Frequency of follow-up documentation was poor. The most common reported mechanisms of injury for patients included in the study were MVA and road traffic accidents (60.0%) followed by falls from >3m (23.2%). Conclusion: Although there is good documentation on the mechanism of injury, patient demographics, and type of IF, follow-up for IFs following acute trauma admission lacks documentation and follow-up and is an identified issue in patient management. There is great need for systematic protocols to address management of IFs in polytrauma patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faizus Sazzad ◽  
Ong Zhi Xian ◽  
Ashlynn Ler ◽  
Chang Guohao ◽  
Kang Giap Swee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background CORKNOT® facilitates a reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross clamp (ACC) time and operative time, but reported to be associated with other complications. We aim to quantify the incidence of valvular complications related to CORKNOT® and determine the feasibility of its use between different valvular surgeries. Methods Patients who underwent heart valve repair or replacement surgery via the use of automated titanium suture fasteners (CORKNOT®) in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. This single-centre retrospective study was conducted on 132 patients between January 2016 and June 2018. Results In our study, the overall mean operative time was 320.0 ± 97.0 min, mean CPB time was 171.4 ± 76.0 min and the calculated mean ACC time was 105.9 ± 54.0 min. Fifty-eight patients (43.9%) underwent minimally invasive valve replacement or repair surgery and 66 patients (50.0%) underwent concomitant procedures. A total of 157 valves were operated on, with 112 (84.8%) single valve surgeries, 15 (11.4%) double valve surgeries and 5 (3.8%) triple valve surgeries. After reviewed by the cardiologist blinded towards the study, we report trivial and/or mild paravalvular leak (PVL) in immediate post-operative echocardiography was found in 1 (1.01%) patients. There were no reported cases of valvular thrombosis, leaflet perforation, device dislodgement or embolization, moderate and/or severe PVL during hospitalization and follow-up echocardiography within 1 year. Single mitral valve and aortic surgeries had comparable incidences of post surgical complications. Conclusion We conclude the feasibility of CORKNOT® utilisation in mitral and aortic valve surgeries. Additionally, incidence of CORKNOT® related complications in heart valve repair or replacement surgery is less usual in our setting than previously reported. These results motivate the use of CORKNOT® as a valid alternative with complete commitment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Lau ◽  
Z Arshad ◽  
A Aslam ◽  
A Thahir ◽  
M Krkovic

Abstract Introduction Osteomyelitis refers to an inflammatory process affecting bone and bone marrow. This study reviews chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment and outcomes, including economic impact. Method We retrospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 14 chronic femoral osteomyelitis patients treated between January 2013 and January 2020. Data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, complications, treatment protocol and costs. Functional outcome was assessed using EuroQOL five-dimensional interview administration questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L™) and EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS™). Results Of these, 92.9% had one or more osteomyelitis risk factor, including smoking and diabetes. Samples from 78.6% grew at least one pathogen. Only 42.9% achieved remission after initial treatment, but 85.7% were in remission at final follow-up, with no signs of recurrence throughout the follow-up period (mean: 21.4 months). The average treatment cost was £39,249.50 with a net mean loss of £19,080.10 when funding was considered. The mean-derived EQ-5D score was 0.360 and the mean EQ-VAS score was 61.7, lower than their values for United Kingdom’s general population, p = 0.0018 and p = 0.013 respectively. Conclusions Chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment is difficult, resulting in significant economic burden. With previous studies showing cheaper osteomyelitis treatment at specialist centres, our net financial loss incurred suggests the need for management at specialised centres.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S179-S180
Author(s):  
Thana Khawcharoenporn ◽  
Pimjira Kanoktipakorn

Abstract Background Data existing on effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are limited in the era of antibiotic resistance. Methods A 4-year prospective observational cohort study was conducted among patients undergoing TURP in an academic tertiary-care hospital during 2016–2019. Patients were excluded if pre-operative (pre-op) urine cultures were not sent or grew mixed (>2) organisms, or they had pre-op urinary tract infection (UTI) or lost follow-up after TURP. Appropriateness of AP was defined as 1) correct dosing and duration and narrowest spectrum according to the hospital AP guidelines and local epidemiology and 2) being active against uropathogens isolated from the pre-op culture. Primary outcome was the rate of UTI within 30 days post TURP compared between appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (AAP) and inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) groups. Results 342 patients were screened and 61 were excluded. Of the 281 patients included, 139 (49%) received AAP and 142 (51%) received IAP. The reasons for IAP were prescribing too broad-spectrum antibiotics (57%), inactive antibiotics (41%) and incorrect dosing (2%). Pre-op urine cultures were no growth in 148 patients (53%). Among the 133 positive urine cultures with 144 isolates, Escherichia coli (52%) was the most commonly isolated. Thirty-one percent of these 144 isolates produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and 23 (16%) isolates were multidrug-resistant. The resistant rates of Enterobacteriaceae were 73% for ciprofloxacin, 65% for TMP-SMX and 46% for ceftriaxone. The two most commonly prescribed prophylactic antibiotics were ceftriaxone (51%) and ciprofloxacin (34%). The rate of UTI within 30 days post-TURP was significantly higher in IAP group compared to AAP group (47% vs 27%; P< 0.001). Prescribing inactive prophylactic antibiotics was the independent factor associated with 30-day post-TURP UTI (adjusted odds ratio 2.88; P=0.001). Conclusion Appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced UTI within 30 days of elective TURP. Obtaining pre-op urine culture and prescribing an active prophylactic agent are critical for preventing post-TURP UTI in the era of antibiotic resistance. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. e000195
Author(s):  
Meagan E Wiebe ◽  
Anna C Shawyer

ObjectiveCentralization of medical services in Canada has resulted in patients travelling long distances for healthcare, which may compromise their health. We hypothesized that children living farther from a children’s hospital were offered and attended fewer follow-up appointments.MethodsWe reviewed children less than 17 years of age referred to the general surgery clinic at a tertiary children’s hospital during a 2-year period who underwent surgery. Descriptive statistics were performed.ResultsWe identified 723 patients. The majority were male (61%) with a median age of 7 years (range 18 days to16 years) and were from the major urban center (MUC) (56.3%). The median distance travelled to hospital for MUC patients was 8.9 km (range 0.9–22 km) vs 119.5 km (range 20.3–1950 km) for non-MUC patients. MUC children were offered more follow-up appointments (72.7% vs 60.8%, p<0.05). No significant differences existed in follow-up attendance rates (MUC 88.5% vs non-MUC 89.1%, p=0.84) or postoperative complications (9.8% vs 9.2%, p=0.78). There were no deaths.ConclusionsPatients living farther from a hospital were offered fewer follow-up appointments, but attended an equivalent rate of follow-ups when offered one. Telemedicine and remote follow-up are underused approaches that can permit follow-up appointments while reducing associated travel time and expenses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tzikas ◽  
A Samaras ◽  
A Kartas ◽  
D Vasdeki ◽  
G Fotos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is paramount to effective thromboprophylaxis; yet adherence to OAC remains largely suboptimal in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose We aimed to assess the impact of an educational, motivational intervention on the adherence to OAC in patients with non-valvular AF. Methods Hospitalised patients with non-valvular AF who received OAC were randomly assigned to usual medical care or a proactive intervention, comprising motivational interviewing and tailored counseling on medication adherence. The primary study outcome was adherence to OAC at 1-year, evaluated as Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) by OAC regimens and assessed through nationwide prescription registers. Secondary outcomes included the rate of persistence to OAC, gaps in treatment, proportion of VKA-takers with labile INR (defined as time to therapeutic range&lt;70%) and clinical events. Results A total of 1009 patients were randomised, 500 in the intervention group and 509 in the control group. At 1-year follow-up, 77.2% (386/500) of patients in the intervention group had good adherence (PDC&gt;80%), compared with 55% (280/509) in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 2.14–3.75; p&lt;0.001). Mean PDC±SD was 0.85±0.26 and 0.75±0.31, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Patients that received the intervention were more likely to persist in their OAC therapy at 1 year, while usual medical care was associated with more major (≥3 months) treatment gaps [Figure]. Among 212 VKA-takers, patients in the intervention group were less likely to have labile INR compared with those in the control group [21/120 (17.1%) vs 34/92 (37.1%), OR 0.33 95% CI 1.15–0.72, p=0.005]. Clinical events over a median follow-up period of 2 years occurred at a numerically lower, yet non-significant, rate in the intervention group [Table]. Conclusions In patients receiving OAC therapy for non-valvular AF, a motivational intervention significantly improved patterns of medication adherence, without significantly affecting clinical outcomes. Primary and secondary outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


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