How to Increase Orthopaedic Patients Having Day Case Surgery

Description

In a presentation delivered to the British Orthopedic Association, Consultant Anesthetist Kim Russon emphasizes the importance and potential of increasing day surgery for orthopedic patients. Drawing on her experience as the former president of the British Association of Day Surgery, Russon points out the numerous benefits that day surgery provides, not only to patients — who generally prefer recovery in their homes — but also to healthcare institutions by alleviating pressure on inpatient beds. She presents compelling arguments on how effectively managing day surgery pathways can help navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing elective surgery backlog.



Throughout the talk, she calls for a collaborative approach, highlighting the need for involvement from all healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthetists, and primary care providers, to foster a culture of day surgery. Additionally, Russon stresses the importance of comprehensive preoperative assessments and detailed pathways to ensure patients are optimized for discharge on the same day as their surgery.



Kim also provides insights into specific surgical procedures suitable for day case management, referencing successful models from various healthcare institutions, and shares her personal experiences in implementing a day surgery program for partial knee replacements, resulting in increased patient discharges during the pandemic.



Through this presentation, Russon aims not only to advocate for day surgery but also to share actionable insights and pathways that can help healthcare professionals better adapt to changing circumstances while improving patient care.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221452

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