Surgical assessment clinic - One stop emergency out-patient clinic for rapid assessment, reduced admissions and improved acute surgical service: A quality improvement study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2017.09.016
• Publication Date: 2017-09-29T02:16:33Z
• Authors: Christina A.W. Ma...; George C. Kirby; Blossom Lake; Sitaramachandra M...; Robert Clarke
• Keywords: Acute care

There is increasing pressure on emergency services within the NHS requiring efficient, rapid assessment and management of patients. A subsequent reduction in hospital admissions reduces overall costs with an aim to improve quality care. At Royal Shrewsbury Hospital we run a one stop surgical clinic. With strict criteria for admission this clinic have established care pathway those patients urgent review but not necessarily admission.We reviewed our initial referral New guidelines were distributed local Care Coordination Centre (CCC) through which GP referrals made. re-audit carried out 6 weeks later assessed change clinical practice.With introduction significantly increased percentage appropriate (42.9%-79.4%, p = 0.000017). The majority (75.8%) can be successfully managed outpatient basis. Appropriate unsuitable discharge from had genuine reasons such as abnormal results assessment, or need surgery. 97.8% deemed admitted inpatient management.By providing suitable guidance referring practitioners optimised use improved acute ambulatory We reduced admissions, provided treatment service that helps address ever demand NHS.