A randomized trial of immediate discharge of surgical patients to general practice

This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn. GP follow-up for the group of patients considered is as effective as, but less costly than OP care and is acceptable to GPs. Because of small differences in costs between the two, real gains to the health service will depend on the use of the time freed by a reduction in follow-up appointments in the OP clinic.