Factors influencing interhospital transfer delays in emergency general surgery: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

A National Analysis of Racial and Sex Disparities Among Interhospital Transfers for Emergency General Surgery Patients and Associated Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Studies focusing on Emergency General Surgery (EGS) and Interhospital Transfer (IHT) and the association of race and sex and morbidity and mortality are yet to be conducted. We aim to investigate the association of race and sex and outcomes among IHT patients who underwent emergency general surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult patients who were transferred prior to EGS procedures using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project from 2014 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes (readmission, major and minor postoperative complications, and reoperation) between interhospital transfer and direct admit patients and to investigate the association of race and sex for adverse outcomes for all EGS procedures. A secondary analysis was performed for each individual EGS procedure.

RESULTS

Compared to patients transferred directly from home, IHT patients (n = 28,517) had higher odds of readmission [odds ratio (OR): 1.004, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.002-1.006), P < 0.001], major complication [adjusted OR: 1.119, 95% CI (1.117-1.121), P < 0.001), minor complication [OR: 1.078, 95% CI (1.075-1.080), P < 0.001], and reoperation [OR: 1.014, 95% CI (1.013-1.015), P < 0.001]. In all EGS procedures, Black patients had greater odds of minor complication [OR 1.041, 95% CI (1.023-1.060), P < 0.001], Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander patients had greater odds of readmission [OR 1.081, 95% CI (1.008-1.160), P = 0.030], while Asian and Hispanic patients had lower odds of adverse outcome, and female patients had greater odds of minor complication [OR 1.017, 95% CI (1.008-1.027), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Procedure-specific racial and sex-related disparities exist in emergency general surgery patients who underwent interhospital transfer. Specific interventions should be implemented to address these disparities to improve the safety of emergency procedures.

An 8-year retrospective review of emergency laparotomy outcomes in a Queensland rural hospital

OBJECTIVE

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a major operation performed in critically unwell patients. The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA), undertaken in the UK since 2013 has shown progressive improvement in clinical outcomes, specifically reduced mortality, and length of stay (LOS) through the implementation of perioperative key performance indicators (KPIs) (ANZ J Surg. 2021;91:2575, Br J Surg. 2015;102:57, Br J Surg. 2017;104:463, JAMA Surg. 2019;154:e190145). The objective is to generate a rural hospital EL audit (MELA) to evaluate local outcomes and clinical standards of practice with regional, national, and international benchmarks.

METHODS

A review of medical records between January 2014 and December 2021 of patients who undergo an EL. Data collected include patient demographics, clinical information, compliance to KPIs and the primary outcomes of 30-day mortality and LOS.

DESIGN

This is a descriptive quantitative study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar to those defined in NELA and ANZELA-QI.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The general surgeons at the rural hospital provide emergency surgery services for the North-West Queensland community.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To review local clinical outcomes of 30-day mortality, LOS, and adherence to perioperative KPIs.

RESULTS

Overall, 84 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age (IQR) was 61 (48.8-70.3) years. The 30-day mortality was 3.6% and mean LOS was 12.8 (±13.4) days which was secondary to the low-risk patients within the data set. Compliance to KPIs (≥80%) was achieved in five of eight standards assessed.

CONCLUSION

Local outcomes appear to be comparable to national and international benchmarks and a similar rural setting. The audited cohort outperformed the national standard in adherence to perioperative KPIs.