Critical patient safeguards for ambulatory surgery centers

The role of ambulatory surgery centers in surgical care is evolving, as lower facility fees and improved patient experience increase the popularity of these venues. As care expands in ambulatory surgery center, so does the complexity of cases and patients cared for in these centers, which may pose a risk for patient safety. Anesthesiologists should lead multidisciplinary teams to screen for appropriate patients and procedures.

Patient considerations go beyond physical status and include psychosocial factors. Ensuring patients understand preoperative instructions is crucial to decrease case cancellation rates and facilitate efficiency. Pediatric patients require special considerations including extra attention to preprocedure and postoperative care and instructions, PALS-certified staff, pediatric equipment and medications, as well as heightened awareness of respiratory complications.

Procedural concerns start with the capabilities of the facility such as equipment, pharmacy, and staffing for each phase of care. However, nuances such as patient throughput in a given day, emergency preparedness, and after-hours staffing will affect both patient safety and staff morale. This article outlines the issues leaders need to consider to ensure patient safety in ambulatory surgery centers.