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Analysis of the outcomes of a visiting surgical service to small rural communities
Author(s) -
HughesAnderson Wayne,
House Jill,
Aitken Robert J.,
Rankin Sarah L.,
House Anthony K.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2003.02777.x
Subject(s) - medicine , outreach , workforce , medical diagnosis , family medicine , service (business) , medical record , medical emergency , nursing , surgery , economy , pathology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Background: A team of visiting surgeons has provided regular clinics and day surgery to rural locations in country towns away from resident surgical centres. This format has provided continuity of care for 7 years despite a constantly changing medical workforce. The aim of the present study was to review the results of the group and to compare them against national standards and to provide a model for future outreach programmes. Methods: All patient diagnoses, procedures and clinical outcomes were recorded prospectively. This record of activity was then collated. District hospital records and clinical notes have been rechecked for complications over a discrete 4 year period. Results: There have been 7419 items of service provided, including 2676 procedures. The diagnostic grouping and subsequent day‐surgery activity are consistent with the top 30 surgical separations from all Australian hospitals. These patients have been found suitable to remain in their own home environment for treatment. Conclusion: Experienced surgeons operating on selected patients with careful nursing care, in small country hospitals have outcomes similar to urban hospitals.