This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Robust results found in patient follow-up program after surgical mission trips
Recently published data showed a sustainable surgical patient follow-up program could achieve robust results and acceptable outcomes for orthopedic conditions treated during short-term surgical mission trips.
“Other than in certain disaster-relief situations, it is possible for surgical missions to the developing world to implement programs which track the outcomes of their intervention,” Peter A. Cole, MD, professor of orthopedics at the University of Minnesota, said in a press release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Following the outcome of your surgery can be as important as closing the wound.”
Peter A. Cole
The study included 10 surgical mission trips completed between July 2007 and January 2012 with a mean time of 6 days on location and a mean number of 2.3 surgeons per trip. Postoperative visits were conducted by a Peruvian general surgeon at time intervals of 2 weeks to 4 weeks, 5 weeks to 16 weeks, 4 months to 7 months and 8 months to 12 months. A patient outcome form, radiographs and functional range-of-motion photographs were completed at each visit. Researchers analyzed patient demographic characteristics, the type of surgical procedure, clinical results and complications, including infection, malunion or nonunion.
Results showed a patient follow-up rate of 81.9% and a mean length of follow-up of 11.8 months. Researchers found 57% of patients underwent orthopedic trauma fixation, with 40% of procedures being open reduction and internal fixation. An in-country physician deemed 96% of the 104 patients had a good or fair functional outcome and 97% of patients experienced successful wound healing, according to results. Researchers noted a 2.9% infection rate with 97% of fractures united. The mean cost of the program equaled $20,041 per year, consisting of 30% monthly salary; 45% incentive-based follow-up pay; and 25% travel and expenses, according to results.
“This model puts the incentive for follow-up on the designated local medical provider and also provides the visiting surgeons with necessary post-trip follow-up results up to 1 year later,” Cole said in the release. “It is a fundamentally new way of thinking about successfully collecting follow-up information from patients.” – by Casey Tingle
Reference:
Disclosures: Torchia reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.