SP2.2.18UK Surgical Training in the Independent Sector During COVID-19 – A Snapshot Survey

Aims In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of elective surgery, the Independent sector (IS) has been utilised to provide COVID-light sites. On average operative log book numbers have been reduced by 50% due to a reduction in operative exposure. The Four Educational Bodies continue to support training within the independent sector. This study aimed to qualitatively assess access and barriers to UK surgical training in the Independent Sector. Methods A snap-shot online survey was distributed to ASIT members of all training specialities and grades between 21/10/2020-11/11/2020 . Data measures included participant demographics, frequency of access, participation in training opportunities including outpatient clinic, theatre lists and endoscopy and any barriers encountered. A mixture of Likert scale and short answer questions were utilised. Results 249 complete responses representing all grades and specialities were included in the final analysis (34.29% CST and 56.3% HST). 35.7% of trainees reported access to the IS. 22.9% had access to at least one operating list whilst 70.3% had none. Access to outpatient clinics and endoscopy was negligible. 75% of trainees ‘strongly agreed’ that when access was achievable, it was beneficial to their training. Multiple barriers were identified including Human Resource requirements and local service provision. Conclusions Within the sample, access to the IS has been poor. There is wide variation in barriers to access across the 4 nations and IS providers. Trainees and Trainers should maximise training opportunities in the IS. Where barriers exist, they should be reported to local Training Programme Directors.

EP.FRI.472Building the ‘LIEGS’ way – Establishing an ambulatory Rapid Access Theatre Service for those patients with acute surgical pathology requiring operative management

Aim LTHT is the largest acute surgical unit in the UK and has seen an annual 11% increase in attendances with often 90 patients assessed daily. 40% patients present with acute biliary pathology but despite this there has been no dedicated operating list for this cohort of patients. Rapid Access Theatre (RAT) lists were created to manage these patients. We report our early results. Method In October 2020 the trust appointed four EGS Consultants forming a dedicated acute general surgical service. Emphasis was placed on creating ambulatory pathways and those patients safe to be managed at home but requiring surgical intervention are placed on a day case RAT list. COVID-19 has restricted the broad use of this service for all emergency admissions but biliary pathology continues to be amenable to these pathways. Data was collected retrospectively using in-house coding and electronic patient database systems. Results 34 day case laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed in the first 10 weeks. Mean age was 44(17-67) with a male:female ratio of 1:1. Mean wait time from clinical review to theatre was 11(3-23) days. 1 patient required overnight admission but there were no readmissions and no reported complications at 30 days. Conclusion Despite isolation restrictions resulting from COVID-19, the service has allowed patients to be assessed and treated in a timely, safe fashion. The new service has resulted in significant reductions in bed stays and improved patient experiences. Financial savings have been clearly delineated and as such expansion of the model is underway.

923 How Did the Initial Wave Of COVID-19 Affect CEPOD Waiting Times for Vascular Surgery? A Comparative Audit

Aim Many vascular patients present acutely, relying on emergency theatre availability when surgical intervention is required. The prioritisation of the CEPOD operating list is a challenge, and the additional pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated changes to established practice. The purpose of this audit was to review the effects of the pandemic on the CEPOD waiting times for vascular patients at the main centre for the South West Wales Vascular Network. Method The CEPOD waiting times for vascular patients during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were compared with the same period the previous year. Data was analysed according to booking category and procedure type. Results 98 emergency vascular procedures were performed during the initial wave of the COVID pandemic, compared to 133 in 2019. In 2019, amputations (major and minor) accounted for 47% of cases, which rose to 53% during the pandemic. Median waiting times for category 1 and 2a operations were significantly shorter in 2020, whilst category 3 waiting times rose. There was no significant difference overall in the proportion of patients operated on within the target timescale, regardless of CEPOD booking category. Conclusions Managing the impact of COVID-19 required change to established practice. Although fewer procedures were performed, significant logistical challenges were faced. By adjusting the organisation of CEPOD, the most urgent vascular cases were performed quicker during this time. It is important to identify and promote the positive organisational changes that have arisen as a result of COVID-19, and to continue to review procedures as the pandemic progresses.

Acute hospital preoperative assessment redesign: streamlining the patient pathway and reducing on-the-day surgery cancellations

IntroductionAvoidable surgery cancellations in an acute trust were often attributed to inadequate preoperative assessment. These assessments, undertaken shortly before surgery, were delivered across eight different locations, 60% by a central nursing team and the remainder by other healthcare professionals. There was inconsistency in what and who were assessed, and inadequate time to optimise patients. There was difficulty finding capacity for urgent patient assessment, plus a lack of a pool of ‘ready-assessed’ patients to fill last-minute operating list gaps.MethodsA diagnostic phase using data analysis, root cause analyses and clinic observations identified multiple systemic issues confirming the need for system change.InterventionsOther trusts operating different models were visited and their processes were adapted to create a preassessment model relevant to our trust context. Key features included early preassessment, triage and streaming, in-clinic support from a prescribing pharmacist and consultant anaesthetist, a standardised outcome form documenting specific patient requirements needing action when a surgery date was agreed, surgery dating only on confirmation of patient optimisation, an administrative office (hub) with a tracking database to coordinate follow-up tasks and a patient hotline. A key enabler was a single, bespoke location. Where possible, testing took place in advance of the go-live. However, due to the transformational nature of the new model, some changes could only be tested and refined at scale in the new, single location.ResultsTwo months post implementation, a preliminary audit was positive, but clinic observations indicated that patient clinic flow was suboptimal. Further structural and process modifications were made. Ten months post implementation, a further root cause audit showed a near-elimination of on-the-day surgery cancellations for patients assessed in the redesigned service.ConclusionThe bundle of 17 interlinked interventions proved highly effective in delivering sustained improvements, which could be adopted by other trusts.

Improving day surgery rates of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in surgical units not dedicated to performing day surgery

Background and Aims Current guidance advises that at least 90% of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are performed as day case operations. Same-day surgery rates achieved by surgical units have significant clinical and financial implications. The primary aim of this multi-centre study was to determine the rate of admission and causes for admissions in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Method Patient documentations were studied for those who underwent an elective anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between January 2015 and April 2019. Contributing factors related to admission length were investigated and included patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), operating surgeon, operating hospital, American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) grade, and position of the patient on the operating list. Both univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted using the STATA/IC 16.1 statistical package. Results The day surgery rate of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were 52% (50/95). Patients positioned later on the operating list were more likely to be admitted post-operatively (OR – 4.49; p=0.002; 95% CI – 1.72-11.69) and this was the only factor associated with admission. A large majority of admitted patients (95.6%) were admitted without a clinical cause and were otherwise safe for same-day discharge. Conclusions The day surgery rate for ACL reconstruction remains low, despite an extremely low complication rate. Reconfiguration of the operating lists and positioning anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions earlier in the day will likely increase the same-day discharge rate.

An Introduction to Surgical Instruments in the Operating Theatre

The operating theatre can be an intimidating environment for Foundation Doctors and Medical Students, even if they are interested in surgery. A pre-requisite level of knowledge is required before active participation is possible, which is crucial to access learning opportunities. Initially, junior assistants are often tasked with retraction using a Langenbeck, but good performance here often leads to more substantial contributions later in the operating list. Therefore, it is crucial to be familiar surgical instruments and their function to facilitate active assistance of the primary operator. Below we have compiled the 17 most frequently used surgical instruments and five top tips.

Elective “True Day Case” Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in a District General Hospital: Lessons Learned from 1000 Consecutive Cases

Introduction. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) is ideal for day case surgery. It is recommended that at least 70% should be day cases as a measure of cost-effectiveness. The aims of this study were to (i) assess the rate of true day case (TDC) surgery and (ii) identify predictors associated with unexpected overnight stay (UOS). Methods. Data was collected prospectively on 1000 consecutive elective LIHR performed in a District General Hospital (DGH) over a 7-year period. Data was collected on baseline patient demographics, ASA grade, and intraoperative details. A multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify predictors of UOS. Results. 1000 patients (927 males) underwent elective LIHR. Mean age was 57.3±15.2 years. 915 patients were planned as day case procedures. 822/915 day cases (89.8%) were discharged on the same day and 93 (10.2%) stayed overnight unexpectedly. Patient age, duration of procedure, and patient slot in the operating list were found to be independent predictors (p<0.05) of UOS. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that LIHR is a “true” day case procedure in a DGH. Although some factors associated with UOS cannot be altered, careful patient selection and operating list planning are of paramount importance in order to minimise the burden on healthcare resources.

Changing operating lists on the day of surgery: a service evaluation

This study aims to explore how often the operating list is changed on the day of surgery and the reasons why this may occur. The purpose was to analyse the wider potential impact that changing the list on the day of surgery may have on patient safety, patient satisfaction and theatre efficiency. Survey data was collected across a multi-specialty elective operating department. The findings demonstrated that a significant change in operating lists occurred in 37.3% of sessions, for a variety of potentially avoidable reasons. We concluded that improved organisation and communication before the planned session could reduce the occurrence of changes, thereby increasing patient safety, theatre efficiency and potentially reducing incidents.