A Narrative Review: The Day-Case Surgery Model: Maximizing Efficiency, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction
Abstract
Background: The day-case (ambulatory) surgery model represents a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery, shifting appropriate surgical procedures from inpatient to same-day discharge settings. This transition demands flawless system engineering and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure patient safety, optimize resource utilization, and maintain high satisfaction. Aim: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the operational, clinical, and human factors required for a successful day-case surgery program. It will analyze the integrated roles of pharmacy, surgery, nursing, radiology, laboratory, medical administration, and health security. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus (2010-2024) for peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and clinical guidelines about ambulatory surgery efficiency, safety protocols, and interdisciplinary coordination. Results: Success hinges on meticulous pre-operative optimization, standardized clinical pathways, and seamless intraoperative coordination. Critical elements include patient selection, procedure-specific analgesia, streamlined ancillary services, and rigorous discharge criteria managed by nursing. Administrative efficiency and robust infection control are foundational to system performance. Conclusion: The day-case model is a viable, safe, and cost-effective standard for numerous procedures. Its success is not serendipitous but the product of deliberate system design, requiring unwavering collaboration across all seven defined fields to create a patient journey that is efficient, secure, and satisfactory.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Suoad Albalawi, Ashwag Mohammed Alasmarei, Anwar Ali Alzahrani, Fahad Ali Alshamrani, Yahya Ebrahim Mohammad Hamedi, Mohammed Fulayyih Marshad Alsharifi, Khairat Majrshi, Zahra Mohammed Ahmed Alhazmi, Ohud Nawi Sukhayl Alruwaili, Mohammed Hathal Thunayyan Alotaibi, Meshal Muidh Nawahi A Mutiri, Bader Ibrahim Al Dayel, Bandr Hadi Hassan
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