Implementation of evidence-based recommendations to reduce elective surgical case cancellations

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Elective surgical case cancellations incur significant costs, including resource waste and patient dissatisfaction.
• Identifying and managing cancellation causes is crucial for healthcare efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify, analyze, and manage the primary causes of elective surgical case cancellations.
• To reduce the rate of surgical case cancellations through targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement study comparing cancellation rates before and after implementing perioperative cardiovascular risk management.
• Phases included screening cancellation reasons, developing an evidence-based protocol, and monitoring outcomes.

Main Results:

• Surgical case cancellation rates decreased from 3.7% (83/2242) in 2018 to 1.1% (28/2538) in 2019.
• Implementation led to reduced rates of preoperative hypertensive crisis, myocardial ischemia, and heart rhythm disorders.

Conclusions:

• Systematic screening and evidence-based interventions can enhance perioperative care quality.
• A dedicated protocol for perioperative cardiovascular risk management effectively reduced surgical cancellations.