Applying a managerial approach to day surgery

The present article explores the day surgery topic assuming a managerial perspective. If we assume such a perspective, day surgery can be considered as a business model decision care and not just a surgical procedure alternative to the traditional ones requiring patient hospitalization. In this article we highlight the main steps required to develop a strategic approach [Cotta Ramusino E, Onetti A. Strategia d'Impresa. Milano; Il Sole 24 Ore; Second Edition, 2007] at hospital level (Onetti A, Greulich A. Strategic management in hospitals: the balanced scorecard approach. Milano: Giuffé; 2003) and to make day surgery part of it. It means understanding: - how and when day surgery can improve the health care providers' overall performance both in terms of clinical effectiveness and financial results, and, - how to organize and integrate it with the other hospital activities in order to make it work. Approaching day surgery as a business model decision requires to address in advance a list of potential issues and necessitates of continued audit to verify the results. If it does happen, day surgery can be both safe and cost effective and impact positively on surgical patient satisfaction. We propose a sort of "check-up list" useful to hospital managers and doctors that are evaluating the option of introducing day surgery or are trying to optimize it.