Total caseload of a colorectal surgical unit: baseline measurement and identification of areas for efficiency gains

Abstract

A large component of the caseload of a tertiary colorectal surgery unit is made up of post-colonoscopy, post-operative, and surveillance protocol follow-up, with a significant proportion of patients not requiring any active intervention. The majority of new referrals are undifferentiated and result in a low rate of direct booking for operative intervention. Rationalisation of this resource using evidence-based methods could reduce redundancy, workload, and cost.

Oncological Outcomes After Robotic Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer

“…Nevertheless, cost remains an important barrier to utilization and must be addressed in a climate of increasing pressure on healthcare resources if the technique is to be widely adopted internationally. 28…”

Colonoscopic surveillance: quality, guidelines and effectiveness

“…An Australian tertiary series identified a rate of 1.7% of metachronous carcinoma on surveillance colonoscopy, occurring on average 3 years after surgery …”

“…Colonoscopic surveillance represents a significant workload for colorectal units, comprising 23% of all colonoscopies in a series at an Australian tertiary centre . Guidelines exist to optimize patient outcomes while limiting the financial burden to the health system.…”