Key result
Increasing vascular referrals and operations are linked to a declining general surgical workload.
Observational
The workload of general surgical units with a vascular interest is shifting towards a higher proportion of vascular cases.
May signal shifting workload in hybrid units; leaves open optimal training and staffing models.
Prospective surveys of workload were carried out during 1989, 1990 and 1995. Analysis of outpatient referrals, inpatients and operations performed over periods of 3 months was undertaken and the changing patterns of general surgical and vascular surgical workload noted. The number of outpatient referrals rose throughout the study period because of a significant increase in the number of patients with both varicose veins and other vascular problems. There was an increase in the number of emergency admissions for vascular disease. The number of patients having general surgical operations fell; there was a corresponding increase in the number for arterial and venous disease. The general surgical component of a general surgical unit with a vascular interest is gradually declining, as increased numbers of patients with vascular problems are being referred and managed.
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Whiteley et al. (1996) conducted an observational in General and vascular surgical workload. Time period (1989, 1990, 1995) was evaluated on Workload patterns (outpatient referrals, inpatients, operations). The general surgical component of a general surgical unit with a vascular interest gradually declined over time as referrals and operations for vascular disease increased.
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