Vascular surgical emergencies: how will future surgeons be trained?
BACKGROUND
We wished to assess whether pattern and impact of emergency vascular surgical referrals has altered since a previous study in 1990. Following introduction of shift working patterns, we wished to assess how these changes may affect vascular training and vascular on-call cover.


METHODS
Prospective survey of emergency vascular referrals at two district general hospitals (DGH-R and DGH-L) in 2003. DGH-R received only regional referrals whereas DGH-L also received 'next day' referrals from a smaller hospital. Results were compared between centres and with a previous study undertaken at DGH-R in 1990.


RESULTS
From 1990 to 2003 emergency vascular referrals at DGH-R increased by 51% (53 to 80). The number seen at DGH-R and DGH-L were similar in 2003. There were significantly more out-of-hours referrals in DGH-R than DGH-L (59% versus 35%; P = 0.0123). Referrals were more likely to be seen initially by the vascular team at DGH-L than DGH-R (80% versus 47%, P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Vascular emergency referrals have increased. A trainee was likely to see more emergency referrals at DGH-L than DGH-R. This may impact on future training.
Richards
T
T
Vascular Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. tobyrichards@btinternet.com
Pittathankal
A A
AA
Kahn
P Y
PY
Magee
T R
TR
Lewis
M H
MH
Galland
R B
RB
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000639:trends; D001509:Bed Occupancy; D004630:Emergencies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016526:Workload