Trust achieving top results in treating patients with severe stomach illness

Date: 25 November 2016

Laparotomy team
Trust achieving top results in treating patients with severe stomach illness

The Trust has developed an innovative, patient-centred approach to the treatment of severe stomach illness (a procedure known as laparotomy) that has led to a transformation in treatment and recovery times for patients, and places the Trust amongst the top performers in the NHS.

Using the latest evidence-based medical research, the Trust has revamped its treatment pathway from start to finish, making fundamental changes from diagnosis to discharge.

‘To achieve the level of improvement we wanted, we needed to investigate every part of the laparotomy treatment pathway to see where things could be improved,’ said Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Sarah Hare. ‘What we found was that there were opportunities for us to work more effectively as a clinical team, enabling us to rapidly recognise patients requiring this surgery and ensuring that they had the highest standard of anaesthetic and surgical care in the operating theatre.

‘We also introduced a stronger care plan for looking after patients following their surgery, and all are now cared for in critical care which helps to minimise their risk of post-operative complications.’

A consultant surgeon takes responsibility for each patient’s care plan, providing continuity throughout treatment. By introducing tools based on the latest medical research, such as a predictive tool for assessing patient risk, and using better techniques to manage patient hydration during surgery, patients are seen more quickly and treated more effectively. This, in combination with a high quality post-operative care plan, minimises post-operative risks such as infection and blood clots.

According to the latest figures, the Trust’s new approach is achieving a mortality rate for laparotomy of eight percent, a result that means the Trust is now bettering the national mortality rate of ten percent.

‘Every clinician on this project has played a pivotal role in helping us to achieve this result,’ said Neil Kukreja, Clinical Director for the Emergency Surgical Services Programme. ‘The fact that we are outperforming the national average gives us a strong platform to build on for the future.’

 

  • Summary:

    The Trust has developed an innovative, patient-centred approach to the treatment of severe stomach illness (a procedure known as laparotomy)