Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSICores SearchResearch InformaticsREDCap

Critical patient safeguards for ambulatory surgery centers. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2024 Dec 01;37(6):719-726

Date

10/08/2024

Pubmed ID

39377472

DOI

10.1097/ACO.0000000000001434

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85207135157 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of ambulatory surgery centers in surgical care is evolving, as lower facility fees and improved patient experience increase the popularity of these venues. As care expands in ambulatory surgery center, so does the complexity of cases and patients cared for in these centers, which may pose a risk for patient safety. Anesthesiologists should lead multidisciplinary teams to screen for appropriate patients and procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS: Patient considerations go beyond physical status and include psychosocial factors. Ensuring patients understand preoperative instructions is crucial to decrease case cancellation rates and facilitate efficiency. Pediatric patients require special considerations including extra attention to preprocedure and postoperative care and instructions, PALS-certified staff, pediatric equipment and medications, as well as heightened awareness of respiratory complications.

SUMMARY: Procedural concerns start with the capabilities of the facility such as equipment, pharmacy, and staffing for each phase of care. However, nuances such as patient throughput in a given day, emergency preparedness, and after-hours staffing will affect both patient safety and staff morale. This article outlines the issues leaders need to consider to ensure patient safety in ambulatory surgery centers.

Author List

Eklund JE, Chang CC, Donnelly MJ

Author

Jamey E. Eklund MD Associate Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures
Child
Humans
Patient Care Team
Patient Safety
Surgicenters