Micro-fenestrated split-thickness skin graft for penile reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: In April 2011 a Department of Health policy came into effect stating that no tariffs would be paid for readmission of patients to hospital within 30 days of discharge. The purpose of this audit was to determine the reasons behind readmissions in our unit. Methods: We evaluated readmissions over a one-year period from October 2009 to October 2010. A total of 140 patients were identified. 50 patients were randomly selected to conduct this audit. We also compared the readmission rate in plastic surgery to other specialties in our hospital. Results: Readmission to plastic surgery made up one per cent of the total readmissions in our hospital over a one-year period. Of the patients readmitted in plastic surgery, 34/50 (68 per cent) were emergencies and 16/50 (32 per cent) were elective. 18 per cent of readmissions were planned as part of ongoing treatment, for example delayed grafting of a wound bed, but were wrongly coded as readmissions. 8 per cent of readmissions were unrelated to the original admission. Conclusions: This audit has shown that this rule is difficult to apply in surgical practice and coding entries for planned or unplanned admissions are complex and inaccurate in the NHS.