[Patient assessment in ambulatory surgery. A questionnaire study]

In our department, from the beginning of December 1994 to the end of February 1995, we operated upon a selected group of 199 patients, hospitalized as day surgery patients. Each patient was given a questionnaire to fill in after discharge. We asked them to evaluate day surgery from the consumer's point of view. We did not record any data which could identify the single patient. We received 158 questionnaires (79%) of which 151 were accepted. One hundred and seven patients (71%) found day surgery acceptable and a good alternative to conventional hospitalization, 82% preferred having the same doctor and primary nursing during the treatment. One hundred and sixteen patients were discharged as planned (77%). There were no serious complications. Provided that patients are carefully selected, we find day surgery a highly satisfactory method of management which is safe and efficient.