Direct Access Minor Surgery service--patient satisfaction and effectiveness.
BACKGROUND
Waiting lists for surgical out-patients and elective operations are a major concern of the National Health Service. A Direct Access Minor Surgery programme in an ambulatory minor theatre area has been introduced to expedite patient treatment. The response of patients to this service has been assessed.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was offered to all patients attending for the Direct Access Minor Surgery over a period of 20 months (January 2002 to August 2003). Patients were asked about direct attendance for surgery without a prior out-patient appointment, about waiting time before operation on the day of surgery and the adequacy of pre-operative information. Overall satisfaction was assessed using a scoring system. The incidence of inappropriate referrals was analysed. The influence of the service on waiting lists and resources was assessed.


RESULTS
A total of 221 patients were operated on, 257 lesions being excised. Response rate to the postal questionnaire was 55%. Of respondents, 75% thought that it was appropriate to attend the hospital directly without an out-patient clinic appointment. To 83% the waiting time was acceptable. Of patients, 90% were happy with the pre-operative information. Overall, 91% of respondents were very satisfied with the service. Inappropriate referrals were 4%. The new service reduced waiting time for minor surgery from 53 to 10 weeks. It also released approximately 140 new out-patient slots per annum.


CONCLUSIONS
Direct Access Minor Surgery is a safe and favoured service with high patient satisfaction.
Bandyopadhyay
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D
Department of Surgery, Airedale General Hospital, West Yorkshire, UK. dbanerjee@blueyonder.co.uk
Turnpenny
B
B
Dewar
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EP
D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards