The intoduction of a specialised care pathway for patient undergoing pectus surgery

Abstract

Background: Pectus is the most common congenital disorder. Awareness amongst primary care physicians and the general public is poor.We studied the effects of introducing a patient information website on referral and activity patterns. Methods: The thoracic Surgery Team at Heartlands Hospital produced an innovative information website, www.pectus.co.uk, accessible to the general public, providing information about pectus deformities; management options and advice about surgery.Referral patterns and number of cases where studied before and after the introduction of the website in 2010.Patients9 satisfaction post-op was assessed using the Brompton9s single step questionnaire(SSQ). Results: The website had considerable traffic with 2,179 hits in 2012 4,983 in 2013 and 4,904 so far in 2014 (google analytics 1.9.14). This has led to 1421 contacts and 372 email enquiries.These emails have resulted in an increase numbers of patients who have been assessed and go on to have surgery.81% of patients who visited the website and then underwent surgery,found the website useful.We asked 60 patients who were operated from 2008 to 2014 to complete the SSQ.96% reported improved overall health post-op;85% had improved exercise tolerance;9/10 had normal post-op social activity and they were satisfied with cosmesis. A statistically significant improvement in average self-esteem was noted(4.3vs7.7/10,p Conclusion: The introduction of a patient pectus information website has significantly improved access to specialised services. Patients are overall highly satisfied with the surgical outcomes.