Publication:

Elective surgery cancellations: the experiences and reasons in a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background Elective surgery cancellations have been reported in major centres in developed and developing economies and its occurrence is avoidable. This study explored the experiences of theatre users and reasons for elective surgery cancellations and proffered solutions for improved service delivery at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out among total population of consenting staff of Surgical Departments from April 2023 to March 2024. Self-administered questionnaire was used and data was analysed using SPSS.

Results There were 66 (54.5%) male and 55 (45.5%) female respondents. Their mean age was 34.09±9.14 years and mean years of practice was 6.39±3.92 years. Ninety-one (75.2%) were aware of elective surgical cases cancellations and this varied from 1-3 per week (n=81; 66.9%), 4-6 per week (n=7; 5.8%), >6 per week (n=4; 3.3%). The most common reason for case cancellation was poor patient preparation (n=37; 30.6%), followed by financial challenges on the part of the patient (n=30%; 24.8%), etc. Patient-related factors, central sterile supply department (CSSD) factor, anaesthetists’ factor, surgeon's factor, perioperative nurses' factor, theatre technicians' and potters’ factor, were notable contributors. Suggestions were made relating to patients, staff and the hospital/government.

Conclusions Multiple factors lead to occurrence of elective surgical case cancellations. Predominant reasons were poor patients’ preparation, brought about by patient-related and other factors. Joint efforts are recommended for mitigation.