Key result
Among 119 medium to major Australian public hospitals, 54% utilized an acute surgical unit (28%) or hybrid (26%) model for emergency general surgery, with implementation significantly more common in larger hospitals.
Why the study?
Emergency general surgery patients have superior outcomes within an acute surgical unit model, but emergency general surgery structures in most Australian hospitals remain unknown.
Cross-Sectional (n=119)
Yes
This study provides guidance for policy makers and hospitals considering implementing an acute surgical unit by describing the national spectrum of emergency general surgery models in Australia.
ASU models predominate in Australia; descriptive data informs policy discussions but leaves open outcome benefits pending prospective trials.
BackgroundEmergency general surgery (EGS) patients experience superior outcomes when cared for within an acute surgical unit (ASU) model.However, the EGS structures in most Australian hospitals remain unknown. AimsThis study aimed to describe the national spectrum of EGS models. Key Words Acute surgical unit, acute general surgery, acute care surgery, emergency general surgery What this study adds:1. What is known about this subject?Australian hospitals remain free to choose their model of emergency general surgical care, and the structure in the great majority of centres remains unknown. What new information is offered in this study?This study enrolled 99 per cent of medium-or-larger Australian public hospitals.Most employed an ASU or hybrid model.Appeals included improving care and reducing night time operating. What are the implications for research, policy, or practice?This study provides guidance for policy makers, and for hospitals considering implementing an ASU.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kinnear et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Emergency general surgery models (n=119). Acute surgical unit (ASU) or Hybrid model vs. Traditional model was evaluated on Incidence of each emergency general surgery model. Among 119 medium to major Australian public hospitals, 54% utilized an acute surgical unit (28%) or hybrid (26%) model for emergency general surgery, with implementation significantly more common in larger hospitals.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: