Abstract
Aim: To find clinical indicators for benchmarking out of a nationwide quality assurance programme
Methods: Data from 153 000 cases of the quality assurance programme AQS1 were electronically analysed for the most frequent procedures in 10 medical specialties.
Results: Hospitalisation rate for the most frequent procedures was below 0.6%. The search gave data for the time of inability to work and operating room time for every procedure. The type of anaesthesia in carpal tunnel syndrome had a measurable influence on induction time and time spent in the recovery room.
Conclusion: Combined questionnaires answered by surgeons, anaesthetists and patients and processed electronically give an excellent overview of the quality performance within the surgical unit especially in comparison to the national average. The expenses of 1.49 Euro per case are well compensated by improved quality, shorter time of operating room occupancy, faster recovery, shorter period of disability and higher patient satisfaction.
Keywords: Quality assurance; benchmarking; Ambulatory surgery; Clinical indicators.