Patient satisfaction and cost are among the potential benefits outpatient orthopedic surgery holds when compared with inpatient orthopedic surgery, according to a literature review published in the journal Orthopedic Reviews.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The researchers performed a systematic review of nine studies that compared the clinical and economic impact of outpatient and inpatient orthopedic procedures.
2. They found that outpatient eligibility requirements tended to include: a caregiver at home following surgery, close proximity to an outpatient center and no history of serious medical problems. Preoperative education programs were not always required.
3. All of the studies reported that outpatient surgeries had improved rates of patient satisfaction, similar or improved levels of pain following the procedure and were less expensive.
4. These findings suggest outpatient orthopedic procedures are a safe and cost-effective alternative — for patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
5. The researchers concluded: "As new technology emerges providing for safer surgery, an expansion of the procedures eligible for ambulatory surgery may depend on better defining patient eligibility characteristics and processes to prepare for out-patient recovery."