Non-cardiac arterial disease in Catalonia: patient profiles and quality of clinical records by characteristics of the Vascular Surgery Unit.

Aim: Non-cardiac arterial disease (NCAD) is a frequent cause of hospital admission. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in patient profiles and clinical records as a function of the size of the Vascular Surgery Unit (VSU).

Methods: Retrospective observational study. Stratified cluster sampling and selection of patients hospitalized for NCAD.

Analysis: 1) description of patient profiles, quality of clinical records, and VSU [availability of diagnostic (DR) and therapeutic (TR) resources, and of written protocols (WP)]; 2) association between these variables and size of VSU.

Results: The sample consisted of 14 hospitals, 6 with a VSU of 15 or fewer beds (VSU < or = 15B) and 8 with >15 beds (VSU >15B). The mean number of DRs, TRs and WPs was 9, 2.8 and 2 in VSUs < or = 15B, and 11.5, 6.5 and 3.3 in VSUs >15B. The proportion of patients older than 70, female, with ischemic disease, or with coexisting diabetes was significantly higher in VSUs < or = 15B (67%, 31%, 95% and 57%, respectively) than in VSUs >15B (58%, 22%, 69% and 48%). Comorbid conditions and treatment during admission and at discharge were documented significantly less frequently in the clinical records in VSUs < or = 15B. Risk factors were under-reported in the clinical records of both types of VSU.

Conclusion: Patient profiles and the quality of clinical records vary by size of VSU. Under-reporting of risk factors may hinder the implementation of prevention and treatment measures.