Of course, staffing has grown along with patient volume. The advance of fast-track anesthesia and minimally invasive surgery have brought a large portion of surgeries performed to the outpatient setting. It's not unusual for general anesthesia patients to leave an hour after surgery and spinal anesthesia patients to leave two hours after surgery. There's also a lesser incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting from the lack of polypharmacology. These effects combine to equal a shorter recovery time, which in turn provides positive economic outcomes.
Patient education is paramount in out-patient ambulatory surgery.
The goal is to provide safe, competent, cost-effective care in an environment where a patient does not feel rushed or pushed out the door. Staff members must reinforce shortened recovery stays while ensuring the maintenance of safe care. Special attention must be given to allay fears, especially for elderly patients who are used to prolonged stays based on their past experiences. Because caring for patients at home can make family members anxious, nurses must carefully assess patients' self-care abilities. It's in continued growth, expansion, and challenges.