article · International Surgery Journal
This study investigated the experiences and reasons behind elective surgery cancellations at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria, aiming to suggest solutions for better service delivery. A cross-sectional observational study surveyed surgical department staff between April 2023 and March 2024. Findings showed that 75.2% of staff were aware of cancellations, with 66.9% reporting 1-3 cancellations weekly. The primary reasons identified were poor patient preparation (30.6%) and patient financial challenges (24.8%). Other contributing factors included issues related to patients, the central sterile supply department, anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses, technicians, and porters. The research concluded that multiple factors lead to these cancellations, with poor patient preparation being predominant, and recommended joint efforts for mitigation.
Elective surgery cancellations lead to wasted resources, increased costs, and patient distress. Understanding the specific reasons for these cancellations, particularly in a Nigerian hospital setting, is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This research provides insights that can help improve hospital efficiency, patient care, and resource allocation.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway for commercialisation. It focuses on identifying reasons for elective surgery cancellations and recommending solutions for improved service delivery within a hospital setting. The findings are intended for internal hospital management and policy improvement rather than external commercial development.
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Background: Elective surgery cancellations have been reported in major centres in developed and developing economies and its occurrence is avoidable. This study explored the experiences and reasons for elective surgery cancellations and proffered solutions for improved service delivery at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out among total population of consenting staff of Surgical Departments from April 2023 to March 2024. Self-administered questionnaire was used and data was analysed using SPSS. Results: There were 66 (54.5%) male and 55 (45.5%) female respondents. Their mean age was 34.09±9.14 years and mean years of practice was 6.39±3.92 years. Ninety-one (75.2%) were aware of elective surgical cases cancellation and this varied from 1-3 per week (n=81; 66.9%), 4-6 per week (n=7; 5.8%), >6 per week (n=4; 3.3%). The most common reason for case cancellation was poor patient preparation (n=37; 30.6%), followed by financial challenges on the part of the patient (n=30%; 24.8%), etc. Patient-related factors, central sterile supply department (CSSD) factor, anaesthetists’ factor, surgeon's factor, perioperative nurses' factor, theatre technicians' and potters’ factor, were notable contributors. Suggestions were made relating to patients, staff and the hospital/government. Conclusions: Multiple factors lead to occurrence of elective surgical case cancellations. Predominant reasons were poor patients’ preparation, brought about by patient-related and other factors. Joint efforts are recommended for mitigation.
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DOI: 10.18203/2349-2902.isj20262987
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