An analysis of the motivating and risk factors for conversion from implant-based to total autologous breast reconstruction.

Background: Problems with implant-based breast reconstructions can lead to patient dissatisfaction and a request for total autologous reconstruction. This 12-year study aimed to determine the rate of conversion from implant-based to autologous reconstruction, to identify potential risk factors, compare the rate of conversion in implant-only and latissimus dorsi/implant reconstructions, and assess patient satisfaction following conversion.

Methods: Implant-based reconstructions performed between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed.

How fast is fast enough? An audit and league table of response times of acute hospital NHS Trust switchboards in England.

Objective: To audit response times by all acute NHS hospital switchboards in England for external incoming calls. As with any audit, we set out to draw attention to efficiencies and deficiencies in the system, highlight problems, and suggest the first steps towards improving standards in a very important and poorly acknowledged part of our healthcare system.

Design: Telephone calls were made to hospital switchboards, and time to response was measured.