Kirlus Farag
Introduction
Day-case ureteroscopy rates at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals Trust (ULTH) were audited following GIRFT data (2022-2023), which highlighted sub performance (40.4%) compared to the peer median (64%) and benchmark (75%). This audit aimed to evaluate ULTH’s day-case ureteroscopy performance over three months and explore improvement strategies.
Methods
Data were collected for all ureteroscopy and ureterorenoscopy cases between November 2022 and January 2023, excluding emergency and “hot list” cases. A total of 95 patients were analysed using IT systems and patient records to evaluate booking status, inpatient conversions, and 30-day readmission rates.
Results
The day-case ureteroscopy rate was 50.5%. Of the 56 patients initially booked as day-case, 17 (30%) required conversion to inpatient stays. Among 39 patients booked as inpatients, 32 (82%) remained as such. Emergency readmission occurred in 2 patients (2%). Results are summarized in the table below:
Discussion
Clearer booking protocols and optimized discharge pathways are needed to enhance day-case rates.
Recommendations
Standardize day-case bookings, improve communication, and re-audit after implementing improvements.
Authors
Kirlus Farag
United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals, Lincoln, United Kingdom