Emergency general surgery models in Australia: a cross-sectional study.

ConclusionsASU or hybrid models of care may be more widespread than currently reported. The introduction of such structures is heavily dependent on hospital and staff size, trauma subspecialisation and EGS patient throughput.What is known about the topic?Traditionally, general surgical staff were rostered to elective operating and clinic duties, with emergency patients managed on an ad hoc basis. An ASU model, with a surgeon dedicated to EGS patients, has been associated with superior outcomes. However, the Australian uptake of this model is unknown.What does this paper add?This study enrolled 119 of 120 (99%) Australian public hospitals of medium or greater peer group (>2000 patient separations per annum). Uptake of the ASU or hybrid model was more widespread than expected, existing in 64 of 119 (54%) centres. Factors for and against ASU implementation were also assessed.What are the implications for practitioners?Hospitals considering implementing an ASU or hybrid model will be reassured by the common reports of improved patient outcomes and decreased after-hours operating. However, potential hospitals must assess the suitability of the ASU model to their surgeon pool and EGS patient load. PMID: 33203508 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research