DUCMA 2.0 project: Update on the current situation of the outpatient surgery units in Spain

Ambulatory surgery is a safe and efficient management system to solve surgical problems, but its implementation and development has been variable. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics, structure and functioning of ambulatory surgery units (ASU) in Spain.

Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study based on an electronic survey, with data collection between April and September 2022.

In total, 90 ASUs completed the survey. The mean overall ambulatory index is 63%. More than half of the ASUs (52%) are integrated units. Around half of the units provide training for physicians (51%) and for nurses (55%). The most frequently used quality indicators are suspension rate (87%) and the rate of unplanned admissions (80%).

Greater coordination between administrations is needed to obtain reliable data. It is also necessary to implement quality management systems in the different units, as well as to develop tools for the adequate training of the professionals involved.