Access through Altruism: A Community-based Free Outpatient Surgery Program for the Working Poor in the United States. Issue 6 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nolan, HR; Christie, B
• Is Part Of: Journal of perioperative practice. Volume 27:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Altruism -- Outpatient surgery -- Medical volunteers -- Healthcare access -- Free clinic; Operating room nursing -- Periodicals; 617.9192
• DOI: 10.1177/175045891702700605
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-7949

Abstract

Despite healthcare reform, a large population in the United States is without healthcare coverage. The Surgery for People in Need (SPIN) program offers free outpatient surgical procedures to working, uninsured adults. Taking nearly one year to construct, the program has been operational for three years and has performed 22 procedures. Free surgery programs can improve healthcare access by providing interventions to patients who otherwise have no outlet for surgical care.