Early Surgical Consultation In The Emergency Department: Effects On Patient Management And Disposition

Abstract

Background: Surgical emergencies are critical cases or incidents in Emergency Department (ED) where surgical consultation delays can negatively influence patient outcome, disposition as well as the efficiency of the department.

Aim: This research paper attempted to assess the perceived effect early surgical consultation on patient management, disposition outcomes, and ED efficiency and length of stay.

Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study involving 150 healthcare professionals who were working in a tertiary care ED. A structured questionnaire that had been tested validated the perceptions on early surgical consultation on three dimensions, which included patient management, patient disposition, and ED efficiency.

Results: The respondents indicated that there was a high level of agreement that early surgical consultation positively affects the diagnostic accuracy, the speed of clinical decision-making, the resuscitation and administration timing of antibiotics, and clinical deterioration. Early surgical intervention also grew to more favorable disposition planning, earlier decision-making regarding operations, decreased ED length of stay, and enhanced interdepartmental coordination. There was no notable association between the areas of the study and thus it indicates separate benefits.

Conclusion: Early surgical consultation is also viewed as a good mechanism of enhancing clinical management, patient disposition, and ED efficiency.