The evolution of a hand day-surgery unit.
BACKGROUND
Following the merger of two major units to form a regional centre for plastic surgery in the West Midlands, acute hand surgery referrals reached overwhelming proportions. This study describes audits performed at three time points. The first highlighted the extent of in-patient delay and was instrumental in the subsequent development of a dedicated hand trauma day-case unit.


METHODS
Data were collected on 77 patients in June 2002, 109 patients in November 2003 and 90 patients in November 2004. The day-case unit opened on 1 November 2003.


RESULTS
The number of bed-days per patient fell from 2.63 to 1.34 (P < 0.001) over the study period. In November 2004, 51% of patients received a day-case procedure. Importantly, if admission was required at initial presentation, the delay to theatre reduced from 1.5 bed-days per patient in June 2002 to 0.6 in November 2004. Overall, the in-patient delay was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) but time from presentation to theatre was not significantly affected (P = 0.119).


CONCLUSIONS
This series of audits confirmed that a significant number of acute hand injuries are suitable for day-case procedures and that simple audit can lead to a significant change in service provision. Improvements were demonstrated in reduced in-patient delay and total stay. We hope that other units find our experience useful given that it may be possible to apply this approach to other forms of ambulatory trauma.
Dillon
C K
CK
Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK. cathryndillon@hotmail.com
Chester
D L
DL
Nightingale
Peter
P
Titley
O G
OG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000592:standards; D014850:Waiting Lists; D055815:Young Adult
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