❓ Mr. Kirkup questions the Deputy Premier regarding high readmission rates for hip replacements, tonsillectomies, and prostatectomies at East Metropolitan Health Service. The response provides numbers, costs, and ongoing review processes.
AnsweredQoN 5647Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 October 2019
Member
Portfolio
Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Mental Health
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to page 13 of the East Metropolitan Health Service 2018-19 Annual Report, and ask: (a) Why is there such a significant re-admission rate of patients receiving: (i) Hip replacements; (ii) Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery; and (iii) Prostatectomy; (b) For (a)(i)-(iii) what are the overall numbers of patients who received this surgery; (c) What is the estimated cost associated with patient re-admission; and (d) What work is being undertaken to reduce re-admission rates for patients?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 December 2019
Response time
15 days
I am advised:
(a) Readmission rates published on page 13 of the EMHS Annual Report 2018-19 are represented per 1000 surgeries and are collective for the area health service as a whole. Clinical case reviews of episodes of readmission for the following procedures identified:
(i) Hip replacements – no significant trends or areas of concern, noting that there were only 11 readmission cases across 3 hospitals from a total of 426 surgeries.
(ii) Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery – patients are often readmitted as a precaution and for observation and follow up of minor symptoms following surgery (such as post-operative bleeding which is often minor in nature, with many patients experiencing these symptoms being admitted for observation).
(iii) Prostatectomy – no significant trends or concerns of a clinical nature, however rates will continue to be monitored closely.
(b)(i) 426 surgeries.
(ii) 256 surgeries.
(iii) 201 surgeries.
(c) The average readmission cost is $6,491 per patient.
(d) Clinical case reviews are undertaken by senior clinicians, to ascertain the reasons for readmissions and to explore service improvement opportunities, including providing clinicians with additional support and training if required.
Episodes of readmission following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are subject to peer review as part of a morbidity and mortality review process.
(a) Readmission rates published on page 13 of the EMHS Annual Report 2018-19 are represented per 1000 surgeries and are collective for the area health service as a whole. Clinical case reviews of episodes of readmission for the following procedures identified:
(i) Hip replacements – no significant trends or areas of concern, noting that there were only 11 readmission cases across 3 hospitals from a total of 426 surgeries.
(ii) Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery – patients are often readmitted as a precaution and for observation and follow up of minor symptoms following surgery (such as post-operative bleeding which is often minor in nature, with many patients experiencing these symptoms being admitted for observation).
(iii) Prostatectomy – no significant trends or concerns of a clinical nature, however rates will continue to be monitored closely.
(b)(i) 426 surgeries.
(ii) 256 surgeries.
(iii) 201 surgeries.
(c) The average readmission cost is $6,491 per patient.
(d) Clinical case reviews are undertaken by senior clinicians, to ascertain the reasons for readmissions and to explore service improvement opportunities, including providing clinicians with additional support and training if required.
Episodes of readmission following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are subject to peer review as part of a morbidity and mortality review process.
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