Fast-tracking the postanesthesia patient: the pros and cons

Fast-tracking patients in the perianesthesia setting is a health care practice initiative that is rapidly increasing in popularity in hospitals and freestanding surgery centers throughout the United States and the world. ASPAN recognizes the efficacy of fast-tracking ambulatory surgery patients through the postanesthesia phase of care and currently recognizes 2 important models of fast-tracking: rapid PACU progression and bypassing Phase I PACU. This article reviews the pros and cons of these fast-tracking initiatives. Finally, ethical issues will be critically evaluated to ensure safe, quality, cost-effective care is maintained when fast-tracking this patient population.