National survey of the provision of day surgery across public and private hospitals in Ireland

Abstract

Background: Day surgery (DS) is viewed as the optimal environment for many surgical procedures. Yet, Irish DS rates are low compared to international figures.

Aims: To describe the current provision of DS in Ireland and to identify barriers to its expansion.

Methods: Thirty-seven public hospitals and 17 private hospitals providing DS were surveyed during July/August 2009.

Results: Thirty-seven hospitals replied (67%) (30 public, 7 private). DS beds ranged from 3 to 39. Fourteen (38%) had dedicated DS units, and no unit had a consultant in charge. Twenty-one (57%) provided pre-assessment with 36 (96%) providing patient information leaflets both pre- and post-operatively. Stay-in rate was less than 5%. Eight units had reviewed the adverse event rates following DS. Seven barriers to optimizing DS were identified, the main one being lack of dedicated DS theatres.