Involvement of a surgical service improves patient satisfaction in patients admitted with small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Background For patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO), surgical care has been associated with improved outcomes; however it remains unknown how it impacts satisfaction. Methods Patients admitted for SBO who completed the hospital satisfaction survey were eligible. Only those with adhesions or hernias were included. Chart review extracted structural characteristics and outcomes. Results 47 patients were included; 74% (n=35) were admitted to a surgical service. 26% (n=12) were admitted to medicine, and 50% of those (n=6) had surgical consultation. Patients with surgical involvement as the consulting or primary service (SURG) had higher satisfaction with the hospital than those cared for by the medical service (80% SURG; 33% MED, p=0.015). SURG patients also had higher satisfaction with physicians (74% SURG; 44% MED; p=0.015). Conclusions Surgical involvement during SBO admissions is associated with increased patient satisfaction, and adds further weight to the recommendation that these patients be cared for by surgeons.

The number of inpatient consultations is negatively correlated with patient satisfaction in patients with prolonged hospital stays

“…Although long stay patients in our study have satisfaction with the hospital that is similar to that of the general population, they have significantly lower satisfaction with physician communication than those with more routine LOS. 15 The most significant factor associated with satisfaction in patients with prolonged LOS, with both the hospital and physician communication, was having fewer consultative services over the course of the hospitalization. This is a finding is novel and to our knowledge, has not previously been described in the literature.…”

Admitting Service and Outcome for Small Bowel Obstruction

“…4,10,11 In addition, patients with SBO have also been found to have greater satisfaction with their care when admitted to a surgical service. 11 In turn, it makes sense that they have also been found in some studies to have a lower operative mortality rate. 4 Although there are no clear reasons why this occurs prior, authors have suggested that familiarity with a surgical abdomen and the ability to promptly recognize a severe obstruction or post-operative complication might have an impact.…”

“…8,9 Patients admitted by a surgeon have been found to have shorter lengths of stay, time to operative intervention, and lower cost of admission. 4,10,11 In addition, patients with SBO have also been found to have greater satisfaction with their care when admitted to a surgical service. 11 In turn, it makes sense that they have also been found in some studies to have a lower operative mortality rate.…”

“…4,10,11 In addition, patients with SBO have also been found to have greater satisfaction with their care when admitted to a surgical service. 11 In turn, it makes sense that they have also been found in some studies to have a lower operative mortality rate. 4…”