Complex Cancer Surgery in the Outpatient Setting: The Josie Robertson Surgery Center

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Ambulatory Surgery
• Healthcare Innovation

Background:

• Minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols facilitate complex oncologic procedures in outpatient settings.
• The Josie Robertson Surgery Center (JRSC) was established to manage both outpatient procedures and previously inpatient surgeries using an ambulatory extended recovery (AXR) model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the genesis, design, and care model of the JRSC.
• To highlight the center's focus on patient experience, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• To provide an example of patient-centered surgical care in an ambulatory setting for complex procedures.

Main Methods:

• Description of the JRSC's establishment and operational framework.
• Overview of the ambulatory extended recovery (AXR) model implementation.
• Explanation of outcome tracking and quality improvement initiatives.

Main Results:

• The JRSC successfully transitioned complex surgeries to an ambulatory setting.
• The center emphasizes patient experience, efficiency, and data-driven improvements.
• The AXR model supports recovery at home after a single overnight stay.

Conclusions:

• The JRSC serves as a model for innovative, patient-centered ambulatory surgical care.
• Successful implementation of the AXR model is feasible for select complex oncologic procedures.
• Continuous quality improvement and data tracking are integral to the JRSC's success.