Angela M Ingraham1, Scott M Chaffee2,3, M Didem Ayturk4, Victor K Heh2,3, Catarina I Kiefe4, Heena P Santry2,3. 1. Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI. 2. Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, 395 W 12 Avenue, Columbus, OH. 3. Center for Surgical Health Assessment, Research, and Policy (SHARP), The Ohio State University, 395 W 12 Avenue, Columbus, OH. 4. Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite three million adults in the United States (US) being admitted annually for emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, we lack an understanding of the barriers to round-the-clock EGS care. Our objective was to measure gaps in round-the-clock EGS care. METHODS: From August 2015 to December 2015, we surveyed all US-based, adult acute care general hospitals that have an emergency room and ≥1 operating room and provide EGS care, utilizing paper and electronic methods. Surgeons or chief medical officers were queried regarding EGS practices. RESULTS: Of 2,811 hospitals, 1,634 (58.1%) responded; 279 (17.1%) were unable to always provide round-the-clock EGS care. Rural location, smaller bed size, and non-teaching status were associated with lack of round-the-clock care. Inconsistent surgeon coverage was the primary reason for lacking round-the-clock EGS care (n=162; 58.1%). However, lack of a tiered system for booking emergency cases, no anesthesia availability overnight, and no stipend for EGS call were also associated with the inability to provide round-the-clock EGS care. DISCUSSION: We found significant gaps in access to EGS care, often attributable to workforce deficiencies.
INTRODUCTION: Despite three million adults in the United States (US) being admitted annually for emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, we lack an understanding of the barriers to round-the-clock EGS care. Our objective was to measure gaps in round-the-clock EGS care. METHODS: From August 2015 to December 2015, we surveyed all US-based, adult acute care general hospitals that have an emergency room and ≥1 operating room and provide EGS care, utilizing paper and electronic methods. Surgeons or chief medical officers were queried regarding EGS practices. RESULTS: Of 2,811 hospitals, 1,634 (58.1%) responded; 279 (17.1%) were unable to always provide round-the-clock EGS care. Rural location, smaller bed size, and non-teaching status were associated with lack of round-the-clock care. Inconsistent surgeon coverage was the primary reason for lacking round-the-clock EGS care (n=162; 58.1%). However, lack of a tiered system for booking emergency cases, no anesthesia availability overnight, and no stipend for EGS call were also associated with the inability to provide round-the-clock EGS care. DISCUSSION: We found significant gaps in access to EGS care, often attributable to workforce deficiencies.
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Authors: Heena P Santry; Scott A Strassels; Angela M Ingraham; Wendelyn M Oslock; Kevin B Ricci; Anghela Z Paredes; Victor K Heh; Holly E Baselice; Amy P Rushing; Adrian Diaz; Vijaya T Daniel; M Didem Ayturk; Catarina I Kiefe Journal: BMC Med Res Methodol Date: 2020-10-02 Impact factor: 4.615
Authors: Angela Ingraham; Jessica Schumacher; Sara Fernandes-Taylor; Dou-Yan Yang; Laura Godat; Alan Smith; Ronald Barbosa; Chris Cribari; Ali Salim; Thomas Schroeppel; Kristan Staudenmayer; Marie Crandall; Garth Utter Journal: J Trauma Acute Care Surg Date: 2022-01-01 Impact factor: 3.697