Yu G, Michalak S, Mishra K, Yu M, Pan C. Trends of Ophthalmic Surgery Cancellations at a County Hospital Before and During COVID-19: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.
Semin Ophthalmol 2024;
39:305-311. [PMID:
38073109 DOI:
10.1080/08820538.2023.2293032]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Despite several publications on ophthalmic surgical cancellations discussing preventative causes in academic institutions, there remains a paucity of similar studies for safety-net hospitals. This study analyzed cancellation rates at a county hospital over a 10-year period.
METHODS
This retrospective, open cohort study investigated a total of 11,350 surgeries scheduled at a tertiary-level county hospital between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2021. Surgical cancellation reasons were collected from chart review and categorized into eight groups to allow for analyses. Cancellation rates were then calculated per year and per subspecialty. The primary statistical analyses were paired, 2-tailed t test and χ2 test.
RESULTS
The most common reason for cancellation overall was institution-related (1065 surgeries), which was also the most common reason per year from 2012 to 2019 (range: 37.4% - 60.6%). In 2020, during COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates, the most common reason became COVID-related rescheduling, and in 2021, it was patient-driven. The cancellation rate in 2020 was significantly higher than 2019 (+9.27%,95% CI:4.96%-13.6%,p = .05), and significantly lower from 2021 to 2020 (-22.8%,95% CI:-26.8%-(-)18.7%,p = .001). Pediatric surgery had the highest cancellation rate overall (36.4%), but oculoplastics had the highest cancellation rate in 2020 (48.9%).
CONCLUSION
The most common reason for cancellation over the 10-year period was institution-related, in contrast to other publications based in academic centers. The study also had a higher cancellation rate than previously reported, again suggesting the difference between county and academic centers. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on cancellations, even after the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were eased.
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