Patients are placed in PACU after having an outpatient procedure not requiring extended observation or admission to inpatient.
PACU staff is given a list of scheduled outpatient procedures each morning.
PACU staff receives the report from procedure area on all patients prior to arrival in recovery unit. PACU contacts the Case Coordination department if patient is to be transferred to observation or admitted as an inpatient. PACU staff notifies physician who performed procedure if patient does not meet discharge criteria at specified time. PACU staff provides patient or responsible adult with written discharge instructions and ensure patient or responsible adult understands these prior to leaving the unit.