Abstract
Patient satisfaction is a driving force behind setting up and developing day case procedures. Ten months ago a service for day surgery SCARF procedures was set up in Torbay day surgery unit.
We analysed patient pre and post operative pain scores and patient satisfaction scores in respect to pain, appearance and overall satisfaction.
A questionnaire was sent to all sixty patients who had undergone a SCARF osteotomy in day surgery. Outcomes assessed were: reason for SCARF osteotomy; adequate preoperative information; pain scores pre and post operatively; satisfaction scores and admission rates.
53 patients responded (88% response rate). 79% of patients had their operation for pain, 19% for appearance and footwear, and 2% for function of their foot. 100% of patients were given adequate information by the surgeon preoperatively and 27% also used other sources for information. 62% of patients scored 6 or more on a linear pain score preoperatively. 85% of patients have a current pain score of 0 or 1. 87% were highly satisfied (scoring 9 or 10 on linear scale) with the outcome regarding their pain, 83% highly satisfied with appearance and 72% highly satisfied with function despite the questionnaire being completed less than one year post surgery. 83% of patients were highly satisfied with the overall procedure and 91% said they would have a SCARF as a day case procedure again. 9 patients were admitted, 3 due to living alone, 3 for wound problems and 3 for post anaesthetic problems including pain, nausea and vomiting.
From these figures we concluded that SCARF osteotomy in day surgery is a successful, feasible and worthwhile undertaking in our unit.
We used the questionnaires and results to further analyse our service and we have made modifications to improve it. We have now put in place a dedicated anaesthetist with an interest in foot and ankle blocks, as well as a comprehensive post operative analgesic regime and a stringent day surgery protocol.
We now run a prospective questionnaire from clinic, including AAOFAS scores, to continue analysis of our service. With these changes in place we would like to see our satisfaction scores rising towards 100%.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
