What does the surgical oncology clinic inpatient inventory tell us?

Aims: Improving medical outcomes in surgical disciplines relies on well-structured clinical planning and meticulous patient care. Specialized and experienced staff, beginning with the clinical director, are crucial. This study aimed to present the patient profile and service diversity of surgical oncology (SO) clinics and provide insights into their structuring.Methods: Hospitalization records of the first 500 inpatients treated in SO and general surgery (GS) clinics since early 2023 were reviewed. Data included demographics, diagnosis, hospitalization indications, length of stay, stoma creation, treatment methods, ICU transfers, readmissions, and mortality. Additionally, SO patients completed surveys at admission and discharge assessing awareness of subspecialty clinics, communication with the clinic, and fulfilment of expectations.Results: SO patients were older, with a higher proportion of females. Cancer diagnoses accounted for 90.4% of SO admissions versus 24.8% in GS. In the SO clinic, length of stay, stoma creation, ICU transfer, readmission, and mortality rates were significantly higher. Survey results indicated patients perceived the SO clinic as a specialized unit for cancer surgery, reporting greater confidence and sense of security compared with GS clinics.Conclusion: SO clinics require specialized oncology-trained nurses to address complex cancer care. Establishing a dedicated SO Nursing Certification Program within the Ministry of Health’s framework could improve care quality, strengthen patient safety, and enhance satisfaction.