Improving theatre efficiency and utilisation

"Surgical departments are increasingly put under pressure to improve services, cut waiting lists, increase efficiency and save money. At a district general hospital in the west-midlands we approached the challenge of improving efficiency and optimising the services available in our orthopaedic theatres."

Improving theatre efficiency and utilisation through early identification of trauma patients and enhanced communication between teams
S Roberts, A Saithna, R Bethune

BMJ Quality Improvement Reports 2015;4: doi:10.1136/bmjquality.u206641.w2670

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Improving the accuracy of operation coding in surgical discharge summaries

" We suggest that specifically designed coding tables be introduced across each surgical department to ensure accurate OPCS codes are used to produce better quality surgical discharge summaries and to ensure correct reimbursement to the Trust."

Improving the accuracy of operation coding in surgical discharge summaries
E Martinou, G Shouls, N Betambeau
BMJ Quality Improvement Reports 2014;3

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Successfully spreading surgical innovation

"If we are to address the slow diffusion of innovation we must learn from experience. This report sets out what makes adoption of surgical innovation different and why we need a new approach."

From innovation to adoption: Successfully spreading surgical innovation
The Royal College of Surgeons of England
April 2014

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National Surgical Commissioning Centre

"The National Surgical Commissioning Centre (NSCC) is a web-based source of practical information, guidance,  advice and support for commissioners of surgical services."

Resources include data tools, national commissioning guides, regional support, and standards and policy. Access the Centre here.