Key Performance Indicators in an Acute Surgical Unit: Have We Made an Impact?

Abstract

Our KPIs demonstrate an early positive trend of facilitating acute patient flow. There is minimal difference between pre- and post-ASU LOS[PO].The causes are likely multifactorial, including increased case volume displacing minor cases of lesser urgency, lack of operating staff, and shortage of hospital beds in winter months. This study supports the utility of ASU in facilitating patient flow in a NZ metropolitan public hospital.

General Surgeons Australia's 12‐point plan for emergency general surgery

“…Koea et al ., in their systematic review, made use of the 12‐point plan to critically analyse the function of seven ASU in Australia as well as European models of care . Local and international units have also appraised their ASU based on the 12‐point plan …”

“…2 Local and international units have also appraised their ASU based on the 12-point plan. 7,[11][12][13] This study aims to provide a descriptive review on the relevance of the 12-point plan to the ASU model and review the current available evidence to support this framework.…”

The ‘four‐hour target’ and the impact on Australian metropolitan acute surgical services

“…Previous literature has suggested associations with ED overcrowding and increased cancellation of elective surgery; however, these cancellations are generally associated with funding arrangements. 25 Further, lack of theatre availability inhibits emergency operative management of both inpatient and ED patients and thus delays patient flow and eventual disposition. [21][22][23][24] In the current study, time to surgical assessment reduced significantly during the study.…”

“…20 Further studies have postulated that ED overcrowding may be associated with the inappropriate treatment of patients in non-treatment areas (such as patients located on trolleys or in corridors). 25 It is widely accepted that such administrative changes requires engagement of the whole hospital for successful implementation. This finding may in part be attributed by reduced waiting room times and early referral by emergency physicians.…”

Comparison of appendicectomy outcomes: acute surgical versus traditional pathway

“…[1][2][3]26,27 KPIs have been identified as valuable in the evaluation of performance of ASU. 28 However, there is no established standardized approach to the comparison of outcomes following the introduction of an acute surgical model.…”