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FLEXIBLE CYSTOSCOPY: A MODEL FOR THE UTILIZATION OF A RURAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL WITH STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Author(s) -
Smith I. A.,
Awad N.,
Rashid P.
Publication year - 2009
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 - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04929_9.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cystoscopy , service (business) , government (linguistics) , rural area , nursing , operations management , medical emergency , urinary system , business , marketing , linguistics , philosophy , pathology , economics
Background: Flexible cystoscopy (FC) is a well established lower urinary tract investigative tool. We describe the utilization of a rural district hospital to establish a FC service. Prior to this service, all FCs were performed at a regional base hospital proving inefficient. Establishing this service, via a NSW Government grant allowed for a more efficient use of operating theatre resources in a regional environment and permitted increased patient access to care. Aim: To highlight the efficiency and cost effectiveness in utilizing a peripheral hospital to provide a FC bladder cancer screening service. To outline a model for establishing such a service, and to describe the implications for improved patient care. Method: Funding for a day surgery FC service was not available via the state area health service. A grant application via the rural surgical enhancement programme was applied for and achieved. Equipment was purchased and the service commenced without difficulty. Results: The transition to FC at a district hospital proved relatively straight forward and efficiency has increased. Since initiation 171 FCs have been performed. 155 FCs were performed to screen for TCC. 15% went on to have a rigid cystoscopy and biopsy. Patient and staff satisfaction have been achieved. There has been a significant cost benefit to the district hospital and a better utilization of resources at the regional base hospital. The additional throughput has aided teaching of urological trainees. Conclusion: Via State Government grant funding, a rural district hospital has been utilized to create a model for FC. It has shown to be an efficient and effective model that can be utilized by other district hospitals.