Elective surgery: a comparison of in-patient versus day surgery practices in Ireland.

Background: Currently, there is a paucity of research which has assessed practices at the point of care for day surgery patient.

Aim: To outline the patient journey from first referral for surgery and identify structures and processes which facilitate or constrain the provision of day surgery.

Method: A retrospective medical charts review of 200 consecutively presenting patients undergoing elective surgery in two Irish teaching hospitals. Data collection was completed from January 2009 to March 2009. This analysis spanned from first referral to the hospital until discharge and follow up.

Results: Great variability was noted in practices between the two hospitals. While some of the differences in practice become barriers to increased rates of day surgery, others did not have an impact.

Conclusion: This study echoes findings of other similar studies in that management of patients undergoing elective surgery which varies significantly across Irish hospitals.