Evaluating Group and Save Practices in Limb Fracture Surgeries
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Finlayson Calvin R, Hamilton Steven W
Primary Institution: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, GBR
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of group and save testing in limb fracture surgeries and its financial impact?
Conclusion
Many unnecessary group and save tests are being conducted, leading to significant costs without improving patient outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 117 patients underwent 118 distal limb ORIFs.
- The total cost of group and save testing was £1,130.85.
- No patient received blood products during or after surgery.
- 42.8% of pre-operative haemoglobins were below the threshold for anaemia.
Takeaway
Doctors are doing a lot of blood tests before surgeries that they don't really need, which costs a lot of money.
Methodology
A three-month retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing single-procedure ORIFs, examining theatre planning records and electronic patient records.
Potential Biases
Patients with poor physiological reserve may have been managed conservatively, skewing the population towards those more favorable for surgery.
Limitations
The study's short time frame and potential selection bias may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
42 males and 75 females, median age 60.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.23
Statistical Significance
p = 0.23
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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