Summary
There is no worldwide consensus, as to how healthcare should be funded, in a modern
society. Limited resources in the UK, have led to restrictions on cosmetic surgery
in the NHS. Guidelines governing access to cosmetic surgery have been formulated.
A retrospective audit has been undertaken, to assess adherence to local and national
guidelines, in an NHS trust. Ninety-nine casenotes were reviewed over 1 year. Data
on complications were collected. Compliance to local guidelines was 44% and to national
guidelines was 22%. Complication rate was 23% in guideline compliant patients and
55% in non-compliant patients (P<0.005). Guidelines are difficult to follow in practice. Total adherence to guidelines
would reduce waiting lists and complications, but some needy patients could be denied
treatment. In practice, rigid adherence to guidelines is not possible.
Keywords
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References
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Glossary
CommissioningProcess of assessment of health needs, buying services to meet those needs, and a range of strategic efforts to improve health
Commissioning bodyA body within the NHS structure which holds funding, and can ‘buy’ services from providers. e.g. Primary Care Trust (regional), Practice-based Commissioner (local)
ProviderService which provides healthcare such as NHS Trusts, private hospitals.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 20,
2009
Received:
December 14,
2008
Footnotes
☆This study was presented at the West Midlands Plastic and Burns Surgery National Meeting, October 2008.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
