Patient acceptance of outpatient treatment for inguinal hernia in Jos, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Patient acceptability constitutes an important component of outpatient treatment for hernias. It is essential that patients are properly selected so that only those who need admission are admitted and cared for with the limited available resources. It is also equally important that those who qualify for outpatient care are adequately informed that there is no added risk attributable to outpatient treatment and that they are free to accept or reject such treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the acceptability of day care treatment for inguinal hernia in our environment.


METHODS
Prospective cross sectional study.


METHODS
Jos University Teaching Hospital.


METHODS
121 selected patients were randomized to undergo elective inguinal hernia repair either as outpatients (61) or inpatients (60).


METHODS
Six weeks after operation, an assessment of patients' opinion was made as to their preferred method.


RESULTS
52 of 61 day cases and 24 of 60 inpatients preferred outpatient treatment, while two daycare patients and 36 inpatients preferred hospital admission (p < 0.001). Altogether, acceptability rate for outpatient treatment was 68.6%.


CONCLUSIONS
in carefully selected and adequately informed patients, outpatient elective inguinal hernia repair is readily acceptable.
Ramyil
V M
VM
Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ognonna
B C
BC
Iya
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies