Fast-tracking (bypassing the PACU) does not reduce nursing workload after ambulatory surgery

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Nursing
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Postoperative recovery for day-case patients typically involves a post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) before returning to the day surgical unit (DSU).
• Bypassing the PACU offers potential for reduced patient recovery time and decreased nursing workload, leading to cost savings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of bypassing the PACU on patient recovery time.
• To assess the effects on nursing workload and associated costs in day surgery.

Main Methods:

• 207 outpatients undergoing day surgery were enrolled and randomized into routine care or fast-tracking (FT) groups.
• FT patients bypassed the PACU if they met specific criteria, transferring directly to the DSU.
• Nursing workload and costs were calculated based on interventions in the PACU and DSU.

Main Results:

• The FT group demonstrated a significantly shorter overall recovery time from anesthesia end to discharge.
• No significant differences were observed in overall patient care hours between the FT and routine groups.
• Associated costs for nursing workload were similar across both recovery pathways.

Conclusions:

• Bypassing the PACU for short outpatient procedures effectively reduces patient recovery time without negatively affecting patient satisfaction.
• The study found no significant alteration in overall nursing workload or financial costs when PACU was bypassed.
• Fast-tracking presents a viable option for expediting recovery in day surgery settings.