Impact of discharge from day surgery on patients and carers

This article outlines the increase in the amount and complexity of day-case surgery currently being undertaken in the UK. The continuing increase in day surgery has led to a corresponding rise in patient and lay carer involvement throughout the pre- and postoperative period. The impact day surgery expansion is having on patients and their carers' contribution to care are therefore highlighted as challenging issues for modern day-case surgery. Utilizing the evidence available from the literature, the article focuses specifically on the contemporary issues concerning patient and lay carer experiences of discharge from a day surgery facility. The main challenges identified are pain management, recovery behaviour and community care provision. The clinical application of the issues raised within these themes is considered and recommendations for future practice are highlighted.