TP9.2.17Developing Novel Referral Pathways in Emergency Surgery. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morrison-Jones, Victoria; Pearson, Katherine; Bailey, Ian; Trompetas, Vasileios; Berry, David
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab362.117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: In line with the principles of GIRFT and recognising the demand on the Emergency Department (ED) the Acute Surgical Unit (ASU) developed a direct admission pathway entitled 'ASU Direct' (ASUD). Nurse led ED triage with adherence to a referral proforma allows direct admission of suitable surgical patients eliminating medical ED review or discussion with the on-call Registrar. Aim: Investigate the usefulness of the ASUD pathway and adherence to admission criteria. Method: Two retrospective audits of ASUD referrals were completed and compared with concurrent traditional registrar referrals. Inter-departmental discussions occurred between audit cycles. Results: Audit 1: 13 days, 150 cases (8 excluded). 75 (53%) referred via ASUD, 67 (47%) via surgical registrar. Sixteen ASUD cases (22%) breached pathway protocols including 3 young women referred without pregnancy tests. Seventeen (25%) cases referred via the Registrar fulfilled ASUD criteria. Documentation complete in 56% of ASUD cases. Audit 2: (3 weeks after feedback) - 10 days, 120 patients (25 excluded). Fifty one ASUD cases (54%) and 44 (46%) registrar referrals. 24% cases breached ASUD criteria, 7 registrar referrals (15%) appropriate for ASUD. ASUD documentation completed in 60% with 100% pregnancy status recorded. Conclusions: Proportion of ASUD / registrar referrals remained constant but there were fewer missed opportunities for ASUD. Inappropriate ASUD admissions remained similar. While ASUD worked well for visible pathology, less-so for protocol-driven abdominal pain. Senior 'front-door' triage in ED might improve protocol compliance, helping to develop such pathways, observing GIRFT and avoid unnecessary transfer of patients (especially during the COVID pandemic).