Ambulatory surgery
Espinas J, Borras J M, Granados A
Record ID 31995000020
Catalan, English, Spanish
Authors' objectives:
To provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, effectiveness and cost of this type of surgery. Structural, organizational and financial aspects are reviewed.
Authors' results and conclusions:
Ambulatory surgery (AS) compared to inpatient surgery is a safe and cost-effective way of providing surgical services for a selected group of procedures on selected patients. Patient satisfaction with AS is rated high for minor procedures but it is not so clear how it is rated for intermediate complexity procedures. AS is cost-effective compared to inpatient surgery as shown by international literature. However, there are no studies examining this issue with local data and taking into account the particular characteristics of the Catalan health care system. The economic consequences of widespread diffusion of AS within the health care system will depend on the use made of resources (beds) released (whether AS substitutes or adds to inpatient surgery). AS may be helpful in reducing waiting list/time for some procedures mainly if they are caused by the shortage of hospital beds. The accurate selection of patients is a key factor for the success of an ambulatory surgery program. AS can be performed in a wide type of medical care units ranging from freestanding to hospital-based center. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Authors' recommendations:
Ambulatory surgery (AS) is a safe and effective way of providing surgical services for a selected group of procedures on selected patients. Widespread diffusion of new surgical/diagnostic procedures (e.g. minimally invasive procedures) in ambulatory settings should only happen when concluding scientific evidence on its safety in an ambulatory environment is available. AS is cost-effective compared to inpatient surgery but the economic consequences of its widespread diffusion will depend on the alternative use of the (resources) beds released. In addition, the promotion of this type of surgery in Catalonia needs a change in the actual payment system.
Authors' methods:
Review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
1992
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Spain
MeSH Terms
- Laparoscopy
- Length of Stay
- Waiting Lists
- Ambulatory Care
Contact
Organisation Name:
Agencia de Qualitat i Avaluacio Sanitries de Catalunya
Contact Address:
Antoni Parada, CAHTA, Roc Boronat, 81-95 (2nd floor), 08005 Barcelona, Spain, Tel. +34 935 513 928, Fax: +34 935 517 510
Contact Name:
direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net
Contact Email:
direccio@aatrm.catsalut.net / aparada@aatrm.catsalut.net
Copyright:
Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.